Finalists announced for Waiclay Ceramics Award

Finalists announced for Waiclay National Ceramics Award

8 DECEMBER 2008

For Immediate Release

Forty-eight finalists from throughout New Zealand have been selected from 90 entrants for the Waiclay National Ceramics Award 2008. The finalists’ entries will go on display at Waikato Museum this week as part of an exhibition also featuring work by some of the country’s most well known ceramic artists.

The Waiclay National Ceramic Award is renowned for promoting excellence in claywork – attracting entries by the country’s most talented ceramic artists from as far as Dunedin and Kaitaia. This year is the fourth time the Waiclay National Ceramics Award has been held, with the inaugural event taking place in 2001 and going on to be held every two years.

With finalists selected by prominent artist Janet DeBoos, this year’s exhibition aims to inspire visitors with a diverse and interesting range of different ceramic styles. It will feature 123 objects including work by specially invited guest artists Barry Brickell, Peter Collis, Penny Ericson, Mike O’Donald, Mark Mitchell, Peter Lange and Wi Taepa; and will showcase more unusual works including one piece created entirely from glaze.

“Judging and selecting for any ceramic exhibition is a privilege, and it puts the judge in a position of considerable responsibility,” said DeBoos.

“I consider the participants, the audience and the content, coupled with the responsibility to oneself to choose the exhibited works with integrity. I hope my choices reflect the aims and aspirations of Waiclay and that the exhibition presents the works in their infinitely varied and variable expressions."

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.

This year’s winner will be announced at the awards ceremony and opening function this Friday [12 December]. As well as the premier award of $2000 sponsored by Waiclay, there will also be a Waikato award specifically for local potters of $750 sponsored by Waikato Society of Potters, and a merit award of $500 sponsored by Heritage Gallery (Cambridge).

The finalists’ work will be exhibited at Waikato Museum from 13 December until 15 March 2009 and all works will be for sale.

The exhibition will also be supported with educational and public programmes aimed at encouraging participation in clay work. These programmes, held on 13-14 December, will include a judge’s talk, forum, lecture and demonstration by Janet DeBoos, and ‘Clay for Kids’ session.

Full release with finalists (PDF)

© Scoop Media