The Portage Ceramic Awards exhibition is an annual showcase for the diversity of ceramic artists throughout New Zealand. Established in 2001, the awards are the country’s best-known barometer for developments in the field of ceramics. The 2014 judge is Takeshi Yasuda, who brings a wealth of experience to the awards, including a deep knowledge of both Asian and English traditions, which have been influential in New Zealand.
The winner of the coveted Premier Award of $15,000 is Louise Rive. Added to this year’s prize selection is a scholarship to participate in a workshop programme at Peters Valley School of Craft in New Jersey, USA, extending our commitment to helping build international profile and networks for the New Zealand ceramics community – the scholarship winner is Chris Weaver. Four Merit Awards of $1,500 go to Frank Checketts, Madeleine Child, Kate Fitzharris and Duncan Shearer. The People’s Choice Award this year went to E.M. Mertens.
Portage Ceramic Awards 2014 finalists: Brendan Adams, Graham Ambrose, Greg Barron, Elise Bishop, Blue Black, Reneé Boyd, Linda Bruce, Frank Checketts, Madeleine Child, Julie Collis, Anna Crichton, Julie Cromwell, Sam Duckor-Jones, Penny Ericson, Liz Fea, Kate Fitzharris, Mel (Melissa) Ford, Janeen Greig, Fiona Henderson, Peter Henderson, Charade Honey, Gary Horton, Chuck Joseph, Louis Kittleson, Peter Lange, Simon Leong, Tatyanna Meharry, E.M. Mertens, Tanja Nola, Elena Renker, Louise Rive, Sara Scott, Amanda Shanley, Dave Sharp, Duncan Shearer, Sang Sool Shim and Keum Sun Lee, Nadine Spalter, Anthea Stayt, Janna van Hasselt, Ann Verdcourt, Chris Weaver, Merilyn Wiseman and Helen Yau.
Awards night: Thursday 6 November, 7pm