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