Finalists announced for Waiclay National Ceramics Award

Finalists announced for Waiclay National Ceramics Award

Forty-five finalists have been announced for the Waiclay National Ceramics Award 2011, with works set to go on display at Waikato Museum from this Saturday, 3 December as part of the ‘Waiclay: Reflections of NZ Ceramics’ exhibition.

Renowned for promoting excellence in ceramic art practice, the Waiclay National Ceramic Award has been held every second year since 2001 and attracts entries from the country’s most talented ceramic artists.

This year’s award finalists were selected by guest judge Bruce Dehnert from 120 entries. Mr Dehnert, who is an internationally renowned ceramic sculptor based in the USA, said he was intrigued by the entries received.

“Having taught at The School of Art in Dunedin in the 1990s I was very interested in viewing the Waiclay entries and ascertaining what changes there had been in New Zealand ceramics over the ensuing years...Most importantly I was curious about the artists and the works they had entered in the Waiclay,” he said.

“The 2011 Waiclay National Ceramic Award exhibition represents an array of works that when taken in their entirety eloquently expresses the gamut of ceramic art. There are pots and sculpture. From torn vessels that just barely begin to leave utility behind, to intricately constructed wall installations, I hope there is something for everyone to appreciate.”

The Waiclay National Ceramic Award 2011 winner will be announced at an awards ceremony and opening function this Friday. As well as the premier award of $2000 sponsored by Heritage Gallery, there will also be a Waikato Award of $750 sponsored by Waikato Society of Potters specifically for local potters and merit awards.

Waikato Museum Director Kate Vusoniwailala said the Museum is proud of its association with the event.

“The Waiclay National Ceramics Award successfully showcases another facet to the visual arts offer here at Waikato Museum,” she said.

The finalists’ entries will be displayed alongside work by some of New Zealand’s most well-known ceramic artists as part of Waiclay: Reflections of NZ Ceramics. It will feature 100 objects including pieces by specially invited guest artists Royce McGlashen, John Parker, Paul Maseyk, Fran Maguire, Matt McLean, Cheryl Oliver and Kate Fitzharris, Mike O’Donnell and Peter Collis, with all works available for purchase.

The exhibition will remain on display until 27 May. It will also be supported with educational and public programmes aimed at encouraging participation in clay work. Visit www.waikatomuseum.co.nz for more information.
The finalists are:
Maureen Allison
Carrie Andrews
Greg Barron
Owen Bartlett
Kay Bazzard
Heather Bell
Annette Bull
Kate Burchett
Stephonie Cahorel
Rachel Carter
Madeleine Child
Liz Clark
Julie Collis
Yasmin Marly Davis
Nicola Dench
Penny Ericson
Darryl Frost
Kathryn Gates
Katie Gold
Sarah Guppy
Mia Hamilton
Annika Hinze
Jo Howard
Robyn Lloyd
Jan Lorraine
Jane Matua
Jane Lisa McCulla
Nicola McLaren
Sue Newitt
Jess Paraone
Diane Parker
Cate Pates
Lucretia Perkins
Elena Renker
John Roy
Rick Rudd
Trish Seddon
Sue Scobie
Duncan Shearer
Barbara Skelton
Anithea Stayt
Fiona Tunnicliffe
Teresa Watson
Helen Yau
Joyce Young
ENDS

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