Foreword

It is my great pleasure to introduce the 2020 biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards, a collaboration between North Queensland Potters Association Inc. (NQPA) and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville City Council.

This ceramic competition and exhibition has been organised by the NQPA since 1973, and has a proud history for its high quality of ceramic entries and renowned judges. Townsville City Council’s major award is once again acquisitive, and the winning entry will subsequently form part of the extensive selection of ceramics within the City of Townsville Art Collection (COTAC). Various exhibitions over the years ensure that the community is provided with regular access to these major works.

The 2020 North Queensland Ceramic Awards marks the 42nd edition of the competition held in Townsville. Throughout these exhibitions, the intent has remained the same; to increase public exposure to a high standard of pottery from around the nation, and to provide a platform for both established and emerging ceramic artists to showcase their work.

This year’s judge, Sandra Black, is a renowned ceramic artist and educator based in Western Australia. She has had numerous exhibitions in Australia and internationally, and her work is held in public and private collections around the world, including the City of Townsville Art Collection. We are indeed fortunate to have Sandra judging this year’s Ceramic Awards.

I wish to thank all of those who have contributed to delivering this year’s North Queensland Ceramic Awards, particularly those members of the NQPA and the staff of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville City Council, who have worked towards the success of this exhibition.

Of course, the competition would not be possible without our award sponsors and preferred suppliers; thanks must go to Townsville City Council, Pack & Send Townsville, Loloma Jewellers, EMU Sportswear, the Rainford Family, and Grace Worldwide.

Finally, I wish to thank all the artists who have taken an interest in the competition and given their time to create works, and congratulations go to those who have been selected as Finalists for exhibition.

Louise Watson President North Queensland Potters

Association Inc.