Pottery's Artist-in-Resident 

Sturt Pottery has been abuzz with the fascinating work of Dr Julie Bartholomew, who is undertaking a three-month professional residency at Sturt, working on a project aiming to increase awareness of our declining bee population. Julie is building a series of small-scale sculptural clay hives which will eventually become large scale hives inhabited by bees. Former head of ceramics at the University of South Australia and ANU, Julie’s ceramic practice explores challenging contemporary issues such as consumerism, climate change and its impact on the environment. Her work is held in significant public collections around the world including the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, and Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan. We are pleased that Julie will be teaching a two-day workshop about Clay and the Environment on 18 and 19 September at Sturt. To book or find out more please follow this link Julie Bartholomew, 18-19 September  (September Short Course Weekend).

Anagama Kiln

Outside at Sturt Pottery, restoration is quietly taking shape on the anagama kiln. Originally built in the 1990s by Sturt students, the kiln has warmed the hearts and gatherings of many legendary makers over the years. Recently the kiln roof started crumbling away damaging the work during firings, with some hard work from Sturt Potter, Simon Bowley, Roger Jackson and families, the five-metre climbing kiln is carefully being rebuilt. We look forward to more anagama firings and vibrant community gatherings later in the year.

Landscape with Rock Exhibition Opening

On the weekend, Sturt Gallery hosted an intimate open-air gathering to celebrate the exhibition opening of Tony Ameneiro’s Landscape with Rock exhibition, with renowned art dealer Rex Irwin officially declaring the exhibition open. Tony’s exquisite drawings and prints explore the incredible rugged beauty of ‘The Crags’ – an inspiring bushland valley on the Nattai River not far from Sturt. The exhibition also features some fascinating ceramics which were a collaboration with Meg Patey, previous Head of Sturt and renowned local potter.

Sturt Shop and Café

The Sturt Shop, representing 300 makers, and Sturt Café are open, catching the winter sun with magnolia and daphne blooming, it is a magical place for a quiet coffee, if you are able to join us. For those who are not able to join us, we look forward to the days when we can welcome you back.

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

Kristie Phelan
Head of Sturt