It was a privilege to be asked to help celebrate the incredible legacy of master ceramicist and Sturt living treasure, Les Blakebrough when he was awarded a fellowship at the National Art School last Thursday. Les joined Sturt pottery in 1957, became Pottery Manager in 1959 and was Director of Sturt from 1964-1972. Les was a pioneer of ceramics in Australia, developing techniques and materials that have been used to this day. It was inspiring to be part of the event with many of the powerhouses of contemporary ceramics especially while we are planning our next exciting chapter for Sturt pottery. We are now getting ready for another Sturt master ceramicist, Paul Davis’ upcoming show at Sturt in late September.

If you have not had a chance to see our current exhibition Biogenesis, this week is your last opportunity to visit before it wraps on Monday. A party of Gib Gate students made the most of the opportunity with a heartwarming visit to the exhibition this Wednesday morning.  They were treated to a talk with artist Libby Hobbs who shared her love of hand-sewing her dolls with her enchanted audience. 

Sturt’s next exhibition, Drawn from the Garden brings together Julie Ryder’s and Sharon Peoples’ unique textiles along with Fiona Hiscock’s finely detailed ceramics inspired by their observations and discoveries of their natural surroundings. Drawn from the Garden will be opened 11am Sunday 30 May by Genevieve Jacobs AM, Group Editor of Region Media Group, and you are all warmly invited to attend. To book your place at the exhibition head to: https://www.trybooking.com/BRLSA

If you are interested in becoming a Friends of Sturt member or would like to renew your membership, May is the time to put up your hand. We are on the look out for volunteers to join our art loving community and would love to hear from you. Sturt’s hard-working team are often in need of energetic helpers for upcoming exhibition bump ins, working bees with ceramics, general admin, and extra hands in the café. If you don’t have time to spare, your membership fees still help by going towards our fantastic Artists-in-Residence programme.

Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency programmes and events can be found on our website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au, or to make a booking or enrol, call Sturt Shop on +61 2 4860 2083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au

 

Mrs Kristie Phelan
Head of Sturt