Canberra will be struck with ceramics fever in July, with the arrival of artists from across Australia and around the world converging on the capital.

Stepping Up , the 14th Australian Ceramics Triennale, will see the capital flooded with 35 free exhibitions from 9 to 11 July, held at various locations throughout the city and surrounding region for the public to enjoy.

Also free to the public is an exciting Market Place, to be held at the National Gallery of Australia on 12 July with at least 30 ceramicists on hand to talk passionately about and sell their diverse work.

Tableware, jewellery, homewares and exquisite pieces sought after by keen collectors will all be at the Market Day (11am to 4pm). It’s a fabulous opportunity to meet the artists and explore their thinking.

Stepping Up is a rare chance for Canberrans to see some high-end ceramics work never before showcased in the ACT, including by top-notch ceramicists from countries such as Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and India.

Avi Amesbury, CEO/Artistic Director of Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, who is herself a ceramicist, says Stepping Up is a truly prestigious event and the last time Canberra hosted it was in the 1980s.

A number of local galleries will hold free exhibitions, including Beaver Galleries, M16 Artspace, Bilk Galleries and ANU Drill Hall Gallery. Several free pop-up exhibitions will also appear in Braddon, including at some of the retailers in the Ori Building.

One exceptional exhibition worth visiting, says Avi, is ‘Stepping Up—Delegates Exhibition’, which will feature the work of the international ceramicists all in one place, at the ANU School of Art Gallery.

Showcasing their work at the Market Place will be ceramicists from Canberra, across Australia and overseas, including Janet DeBoos, DeMaine Pottery, Mollie Bosworth and Sandra Bowkett.

The full list of free exhibitions and a list of the ceramicists selling at the Market Place is on the Stepping Up website. Some exhibitions have started already, as a teaser to the big event, so it’s best to check out times and places now.

Stepping Up is managed by Craft ACT, in partnership with the Australian Ceramic Society, Canberra Potters’ Society, Strathnairn Arts and Australian National University.

www.australianceramicstriennale.com.au

Image Credits
Main: Johanna DeMaine
Gallery from left to right: Girl Nomad Ceramics, Dimity Kidston, Jo Wood, Denise McDonald