Clay on Country, ceramics from the central desert is a major new exhibition that will be officially opened by Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Councillor Grace La Vella at 2pm this Saturday 22 February at Central Goldfields Art Gallery. Everyone is invited to attend.
The exhibition is an impressive survey of Australian ceramic practice from Central Australia that includes over thirty artists and collectives who have all produced contemporary works that reflect the culturally rich and complex region where they all live and work.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Councillor Grace La Vella said that the exhibition’s partnership between Central Goldfields Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Ballarat had brought a unique opportunity to our local community.
“This is such a wonderfully, immersive exhibition of Australian artwork we rarely see. It’s so fantastic the exhibition can be brought this far so our local people and visiting tourists can experience something truly different and inspiring.”
“We very much appreciate this partnership with the Art Gallery of Ballarat, working with us to bring this important showcase of works to our Shire’s Gallery. “
Audiences will see a diversity of ceramics accompanied by audio visual experiences about Central Australia.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery is the only Victorian venue on the exhibition’s national tour and presents a must-see opportunity for locals and visitors alike.
Louise Tegart, Director of the Art Gallery of Ballarat is the guest speaker at the exhibition opening. Louise said it was important for Ballarat to assist in exhibitions across the region.
“The Art Gallery of Ballarat is pleased to partner with Central Goldfields Art Gallery to deliver Clay on Country: ceramics from the central desert. It is part of our remit to support smaller galleries within the public galleries network and we have enjoyed working with the team in Central Goldfields to open this exhibition together.”
“I have lived in the Northern Territory and spent time in Central Australia with some of the artists featured in Clay on Country. This curated survey of ceramic practice reflects history, cultural heritage, contemporary practice, learning and teaching.”
The exhibition is accompanied by a 100-page full colour catalogue, an education kit for schools and a fascinating series of public programs and events to be held at Central Goldfields Art Gallery while the exhibition is on display. A full list of artists and collectives is available here: www.artbacknt.com.au/show/clay-on-country/
This national touring exhibition was developed by ArtbackNT who showcase artistic talent across the Northern Territory’s 1.3 million square kilometres.
Clay on Country was curated by Jo Foster and Neridah Stockley and is proudly toured by Artback NT, with the support of Creative Australia, and Visions of Australia.
The exhibition is free to visit and will be on display at Central Goldfields Art Gallery until 22 June 2025.
Clay on Country, ceramics of the central desert is proudly toured by Artback NT with support from the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program
Clay on Country - ceramics from the central desert
Presented in partnership, at Central Goldfields Art Gallery, with the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery is in the Old Fire Station, 1 Neill Street, Maryborough.
The Gallery is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and entry is free.