Jane created The Pottery Expo concept which was launched in February 2001. Pottery Expo is based on the concept of the Marche de Potiers [Potters Markets] of France.
Pottery Expo @ Warrandyte
The French markets started slowly about 20 years ago in France when galleries were closing and potters were struggling to make a living. From the beginning, the French have not compromised on the quality of the work, always striving to present a variety of the best work available. The setting for the markets, and ambience created is also very important. For example a picturesque 15th century village, or a park on a lake overlooking the Alps provides the perfect environment for displaying one's work and inviting the public to enjoy spending time with the potters. The markets have grown enormously, not in size, as that would spoil the intimacy, not in frequency as that would be "over kill", but in the number of venues. Each region holds a potters market annually or biannually, supported by the municipality as a major cultural and tourist event. Potters now are able to make a living, younger potters are encouraged in their ideals and ambitions, the public are valuing ceramic art, the community is participating, galleries are reopening and local businesses prosper as a side benefit.
These are aims that Jane believes can be achieved in Australia and the Pottery Expo concept is her way of helping to foster and grow Australian Ceramic Art.
Pottery Expo @ Gapsted
Pottery Expo events are held at a number of locations including the banks of the Yarra river in Warrandyte, northeast of Melbourne, Federation Square in the heart of the Melbourne CBD and Gapsted Winery in Victoria's northeast near Albury. Previously events have also been held at the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park in Melbourne's southeastern suburbs.
To help encourage and develop the ongoing growth of ceramics in the region, the Melbourne TAFE colleges and Universities that run ceramics courses are each encouraged to have a student table at Expo. This gives students valuable experience in presenting their work to the public, as well as developing their exhibition and marketing skills. Expo also provides a great opportunity for students to meet and chat with the exhibitors and demonstrators.
Pottery Expo @ Federation Square
Pottery Expo aims to promote high quality, innovative ceramics by Australian studio ceramic artists and provide an opportunity for the general public to meet and talk with the ceramic artists, view and purchase their works.
Visit Jane's Pottery Expo website for more information.