Yvette.batten@dailynews.co.nz
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| Winning work: Award-winning members of the New Plymouth Potters Cecily Bull, left, and Kathryn Gates with their work Photo: YVETTEBATTEN/FAIRFAX NZ |
New Plymouth Potter's best work is on show at Real Tart Gallery this month. Their
40th annual members’ exhibition runs until September 1 and features work from
this year’s guest selector and exhibitor Bruce Walford.
‘‘We always have a guest exhibitor who comes from somewhere else in the country,’’ explains New Plymouth Potters president Cecily Bull. ‘‘That person has the opportunity to have a look at the whole body of work that has been put forward by members and then select what he or she thinks is appropriate for the exhibition.’’ She said the guest selector can take members’ work out of the exhibition and it helps to set a standard of work. ‘‘ Obviously their opinion is selective. We’re aware that it’s a moving target, but it does give us something to work towards and to raise our game.’’ A prize giving was held at the exhibition opening. Mrs Bull won the New Plymouth Potters Supreme Award, which was first given in 2005 at the bidding of an anonymous benefactor. Winners receive $500 and in return the benefactor receives the award-winning piece for his collection. ‘‘ It’s a great honour and it’s very inspiring.’’ Kathryn Gates won the selector's Merit Award. "I'm absolutely thrilled. It encourages and inspires you to continue," she said.
The pottery holds hand work and wheel work courses each term and The Vicarage shop is open from 1pm to 4pm each weekend. ‘‘We always have a guest exhibitor who comes from somewhere else in the country,’’ explains New Plymouth Potters president Cecily Bull. ‘‘That person has the opportunity to have a look at the whole body of work that has been put forward by members and then select what he or she thinks is appropriate for the exhibition.’’ She said the guest selector can take members’ work out of the exhibition and it helps to set a standard of work. ‘‘ Obviously their opinion is selective. We’re aware that it’s a moving target, but it does give us something to work towards and to raise our game.’’ A prize giving was held at the exhibition opening. Mrs Bull won the New Plymouth Potters Supreme Award, which was first given in 2005 at the bidding of an anonymous benefactor. Winners receive $500 and in return the benefactor receives the award-winning piece for his collection. ‘‘ It’s a great honour and it’s very inspiring.’’ Kathryn Gates won the selector's Merit Award. "I'm absolutely thrilled. It encourages and inspires you to continue," she said.
For more information contact Cecily on 022 0727 949
