PYRE March 2025
President’s Report – Ceramic Arts Association of
Western Australia (CAAWA)
March 2025
Dear Members of CAAWA,
As we step into another exciting year, I’d like to extend a very warm welcome back to
everyone — whether you are working away in your own studio, returning to our
association premises, or reconnecting with your local ceramics group. There is
always a special kind of energy that comes with the start of a new creative year —
an opportunity to refresh ideas, revisit ongoing projects, and set new goals in our
ceramic practices. I hope the summer break has left you feeling inspired and ready
to engage in another vibrant year within our community.
This year holds particular significance for CAAWA, as we prepare to host the
Australian Ceramics Triennale here in Western Australia in October 2025. The
excitement is truly building as we edge closer to this major national event. I am
delighted to announce that all keynote speakers, presenters, and demonstrators
have now been confirmed, representing a remarkable and diverse group of ceramic
artists and thinkers from across Australia and beyond. We are currently developing
the programme based on the four themes of the conference. We are confident it will
offer something for everyone — from technical demonstrations to thought-provoking
talks and discussions on the future of ceramics as well as a diverse range of
exhibitions, happenings and events.
We now have a new Programme Manager, Matt Russell who is also our webmaster
and CAAWA stalwart. He can be contacted at this email address if you need to know
anything about the Triennale mailto:wedge@australianceramicstriennale.com.au
Matt is doing a fabulous job of coordinating the event and connecting all our sub-
committees. Matt describes his role in this issue of PYRE.
The Triennale will be a wonderful opportunity not only to showcase the strength and
diversity of ceramic arts in Western Australia but also to connect with our national
and international peers, exchange ideas, and celebrate the medium we all love.
Please keep an eye out for updates and announcements as the programme and
registration details are released in the coming months. Information about Wedge is
constantly being updated on the Triennale website that may be found here:
I have just returned from the Pottery Expo at Warrandyte in Victoria where I was
planning to sell my work and deliver two talks about the Triennale. 50 exhibitors set
up their stalls only to have the event cancelled because of two days of extreme fire
danger! An expensive exercise but I was able to disseminate our brochures and
posters to many potters and ceramic groups and I did get to see the Yayoi Kusama
exhibition at the NGV and attend a live concert, which was some compensation!I can
confirm that interest in coming to Fremantle in October is high on the east coast.
In addition to the Triennale, we are thrilled to confirm that applications for the
CAAWA Annual Selective Exhibition will be opening soon. This year, the exhibition
will be held at the beautiful Wireless Hill Art Centre, a venue that offers a perfect
setting to showcase the incredible talents of our members. In a special development
for this year, our Wedge keynote speakers from the Triennale will serve as judges for
the exhibition, bringing an international perspective to this important event in our
calendar. This is an incredible opportunity for members to have their work seen and
assessed by some of the leading experts in contemporary ceramics.
As always, I encourage all members — whether emerging or established — to
consider submitting work for this exhibition. It is a wonderful way to engage with the
broader ceramic community, share your practice, and celebrate the breadth of talent
within CAAWA.
Our MUD committee is also planning several events for member participation
throughout the year. More information will be publicised in ‘What’s on in Clay WA’ in
the coming months.
On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank you all for your ongoing support,
participation, and contribution to CAAWA. It is through your enthusiasm and
involvement that our community continues to thrive. We are looking forward to an
inspiring and dynamic year ahead and hope to see many of you at our upcoming
events and, of course, at the Triennale in October.
Wishing you all a creative and productive year,
Warm regards,
Bernard Kerr
President
Ceramic Arts Association of Western Australia (CAAWA)
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