ABOUT US
Mullum Clayworkers Studio and Gallery aims to be a dynamic, diverse and sustainable community organisation where members have access to quality ceramic arts facilities to build skills and community connection.
We aim to create, manage and maintain a vibrant community ceramics facility that is accessible to members to build skills and community connection, operating in a collaborative manner that engages our membership in both the running of the organisation and in the pursuit of skills development.
We aim to create, manage and maintain a vibrant community ceramics facility that is accessible to members to build skills and community connection, operating in a collaborative manner that engages our membership in both the running of the organisation and in the pursuit of skills development.
History
Although the pottery has since been in operation since the 1970's, it wasn't until April, 2007 that the Mullumbimby Adult Learning and Potters Association (MALA) became an incorporated body. Since then The MALA management committee has supervised and funded all aspects of organisation and maintenance of both the Studio and the Gallery.
In 2009, members formed a partnership with local providers of services for people with special needs in the community, offering weekly workshops on a volunteer basis. Along with member fund-raising, local grant funding allowed up to 15 people – supported by their carers – to enjoy working with clay every Monday for 10 years.
In November, 2010, members held a successful pottery exhibition in the Audrey Hoving studio and as a consequence, the decision was made to convert this space into a Gallery. Substantial refurbishment was undertaken by the members, followed by an official opening in June 2011. The Gallery features the work of Clayworker members.
In 2009, members formed a partnership with local providers of services for people with special needs in the community, offering weekly workshops on a volunteer basis. Along with member fund-raising, local grant funding allowed up to 15 people – supported by their carers – to enjoy working with clay every Monday for 10 years.
In November, 2010, members held a successful pottery exhibition in the Audrey Hoving studio and as a consequence, the decision was made to convert this space into a Gallery. Substantial refurbishment was undertaken by the members, followed by an official opening in June 2011. The Gallery features the work of Clayworker members.
In honour of life member Joyce Cambridge, the Pottery Studio was renamed the Joyce Cambridge studio in 2011. Joyce, who devoted herself to promoting the art of pottery and inspired members, recently passed away, aged 98.
Around this time and for several years, the pottery studio was regularly accessed by the Byron Community College for classes in pottery, as part of its Adult Education programming.
Around this time and for several years, the pottery studio was regularly accessed by the Byron Community College for classes in pottery, as part of its Adult Education programming.
In July 2012, a new kiln manufactured by Steve Harrison, of Kiln & Clay Technology from Picton was installed. This new kiln, affectionately titled ‘Hot and Sticky ’ significantly increased the capacity for firing the members pottery.
