Presidents Report for PYRE – Ceramic Arts Association of Western Australia (CAAWA)

June 2025

By Bernard Kerr

Dear Members,

As the winter months settle in, many of us find ourselves negotiating the quirks of working with clay in the cold — slower drying times, heavier studio wear, and that constant dance between patience and productivity. There’s a unique rhythm to ceramics in winter: it invites us to slow down, reflect, and refine. Whether you're braving the elements in your home studio, working alongside others in shared spaces, or attending workshops and gatherings with your local ceramics group, I hope you're finding inspiration and momentum in your practice.

This year, however, there’s a warmth and energy cutting through the chill — the growing excitement around CAAWA hosting the Australian Ceramics Triennale this October in Western Australia. The momentum is building fast as we move closer to this landmark event. We’re thrilled to let you know that the Triennale programme is now in its final stages, with an incredible lineup of keynote speakers, presenters, and demonstrators ready to bring their insights, skills, and passion to the national stage.

Importantly, there are still opportunities to get involved! If you’re interested in volunteering, we warmly encourage you to register via the Australian Ceramics Triennale website under the Opportunities tab. Volunteers are the heart of events like this, and your contribution will help shape an unforgettable experience for artists and audiences alike.

In addition to the Triennale itself, we’re delighted to announce that applications for the CAAWA Annual Selective Exhibition are now open. This much-anticipated event will be held at the beautiful Wireless Hill Gallery and will be judged by the Wedge keynote speakers, offering a unique and prestigious platform for our members. The exhibition will open on Thursday 2nd October and promises to be a highlight of the Triennale calendar. Whether you're an emerging or established ceramicist, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work as part of a

significant national moment in ceramics.

Beyond the conference programme, there will be an incredible range of Masterclasses on offer — perfect for deepening your skills and engaging with new techniques and ideas. Details are also available on the WEDGE2025 website. And we’re particularly excited about the rich offering of events and exhibitions surrounding the Triennale, including: ‘The Edge of the Wedge’ exhibition at Old Customs House, Fremantle – Opening Wednesday 1st October, this exhibition promises to challenge, inspire, and push boundaries and includes ceramic works from all over

Australia, works by The International Academy of Ceramics and the Indian Ceramic Arts Foundation.

‘Biosphere Boodja’ at Goomalling – A powerful regional satellite event celebrating place, ecology, and clay in dialogue with the local indigenous community and eminent ceramic artists. ‘Biosphere Boodja at FAC’ – a community celebration at Fremantle Arts Centre on Friday 3rd October, running alongside the major exhibition of Western Australian ceramics, also opening at

Fremantle Arts Centre on the evening of Friday 3rd October.

This is truly shaping up to be an inspiring, diverse celebration of ceramics in our state, and a moment for Western Australia to shine on the national and international stage. Whether you plan to attend as a delegate, exhibit your work, volunteer, or simply soak it all in — there is a place for everyone.

Thank you, as always, for being part of the CAAWA community. Your creativity, support, and engagement are what make all this possible. We can’t wait to share this incredible experience with you and look forward to seeing you in the studio, at our events, and of course, at the Triennale in October.

Warmest regards,

Bernard Kerr

President

Ceramic Arts Association of Western Australia Inc.(CAAWA)