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

JUNE 2026

by Matt Russell

Hi everyone,

Well, this is a first for me. It’s my first time writing to you as President, and I couldn’t have picked a bigger year to start! For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Matt Russell. I came to clay late and completely by accident: a background in computer engineering, then one backyard pottery class (with Sandra Albin!) a few years back, and that was that. Totally hooked. When I’m not at my desk you’ll find me down at the Belmont Potters Group, where to me nothing beats watching someone make their very first piece and having their first clay experience. That’s what it’s all about for me: everyone should get to feel the joy of making and I just love the sense of community from it all.

Before anything else, a huge thank you to Bernard Kerr, who’s handed over the reins after three wonderful years as President. Bernard has given so much to clay in this state, as a maker, a teacher and a mentor to so many of us, and we’re all the richer for it. He’s now off on a residency in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China, which feels exactly right. We can’t wait to hear all about it when he’s back. Thank you for everything, Bernard!

And what a time to be stepping in. Since the last PYRE, we did something CAAWA hadn’t done since 1999: we hosted the Australian Ceramics Triennale. WEDGE brought makers from around the world to Walyalup (Fremantle) for four big days in October, and what a thing to be part of. Over those four days we had more than sixty presenters, demonstrators and speakers, and sessions running across Fremantle Arts Centre, John Curtin College of the Arts and exhibitions all over! Pulling off something this size is a huge effort for a volunteer-run group, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we all did together.

Which brings me to the thank yous, because none of it happens without people giving their time. To the WEDGE Steering committee, who carried this for well over a year: you are absolute legends. To every volunteer who kept the days running, to the presenters and demonstrators who shared their craft so generously, and to all our partners and sponsors, thank you, thank you, thank you.

WEDGE may have stolen the show, but it was far from the only thing going on. Our Members’ Selective Exhibition opened at Wireless Hill Museum alongside the Triennale, a gorgeous spread of work from right across our membership. And our M.U.D events kept rolling along, from Valerie Schonjahn earlier in the year to the pit-firing day out at Liz Berry’s place in July, where we loaded up the pit and waited to see what the flames would hand back. These get-togethers are the warm heart of CAAWA, and they’re where a lot of the fun lives.

So, what’s next? Plenty!

First up, Empty Bowls 2026, our team-up with Foodbank WA, is open now. Throw a few food-safe bowls (around 140mm across, any shape you fancy) and get them to us by 10 August. Every bowl sold puts sixty meals on the table for West Aussies doing it tough, so it’s about the most direct way our hands can do a bit of good. We’re also deep in planning for the 2026 Members’ Selective Exhibition and the Regional Exhibition.

After the whirlwind that was WEDGE, I’m also keen for us to enjoy more low-key, social get-togethers. Less big production, more good company: relaxed catch-ups where you can meet other makers, talk shop over a cuppa or wine and simply hang out with people who love clay as much as you do. Keep an eye on your inbox and our socials, and if you’d like to host or help run one in your part of the state, even better.

One thing I’d love more of you to know about is the WEDGE Grant, which is one of the most practical ways we back our members, and it’s open right now. In short, we offer grants of up to $500 to help CAAWA members here in WA run activities that bring our ceramics community closer together, things like artist talks, demonstrations and workshops. The funds can go towards travel, materials, venue hire, catering or freight, all the bits and pieces that can otherwise make a good idea feel too hard to pull off. We’re especially keen to support activities that reach into WA’s regions and connect makers who don’t always get to be in the same room. So if you’ve got an idea brewing, even a modest one, please put it forward via the form on our website by 31 July 2026, with a short outline of your plan and a rough budget. Don’t talk yourself out of it. We’d genuinely love to help make it happen.

And here’s an open invitation from me. We’re always looking for fresh ideas on how CAAWA can better support you and the wider ceramics community, and we’d welcome anything you can offer to help, whether that’s a suggestion, an offer of your time, a skill, a space or a connection. If something comes to mind, please email me any time at president@ceramicartswa.asn.au. This Association is at its best when its members shape it, so please don’t be shy.

Enjoy the articles in this PYRE! A big thank you to Bec for putting it together. Please consider submitting any and all stories of clay! It’s at its best when it’s full of your voices.

Happy Potting!

Matt Russell

President