International Pottery Stars to Appear in Wrexham For Top Arts Festival

International pottery stars are to descend on Wrexham for one of the country’s top art festivals.

More than 50 designer makers are to exhibit and sell their work at this year’s Ceramic Wales event.

Held between the 2nd and 4th of September at Wrexham Glyndwr University’s School of Creative Arts, the line-up includes Guy Routledge, Niek Hoogland, Christy Keeney, Mark Smith and organisers Wendy Lawrence and Wayne Clarke.

Cerys Alonso, Programme Leader in Applied Arts, said to host such a prestigious gathering of the discipline’s most respected names at Regent Street is a ‘major coup’ for the School, which was ranked number one in Wales and 12th in the UK in the recent Guardian University Guide.

“It is a major coup for Wrexham Glyndwr to have so many of the industry’s standard-bearers display their collections here,” said Cerys.

“As well as exhibiting and selling work, we will have demonstrations, talks and workshops, trade stands, installations, a barbecue and plenty for families and children to enjoy.

“This is one of the most important dates in the diary for us and we look forward to Ceramic Wales 2016 being the best ever.”

The free festival will also allow visitors the opportunity to chat with the artists and take part in demonstrations and workshops.

Among the speakers will be Dave Binns, Moira Vincentelli and Margaret Brampton.

Cerys Alonso

“The School of Creative Arts here in Wrexham is a vibrant and creative community with strong international and professional connections,” said Cerys.

“Our students experiment and develop their creative talents in a supportive and inspiring environment, so this will be of great interest to not only the public and art lovers, but to prospective students, too.”

She added: “They can work with jewellery, glass, ceramics and mixed media (wood/plastics) and our graduates go on to be independent makers in all of the craft disciplines, as well as in other fields such as design, therapy and teaching.

“Many people are still amazed you can do a degree in these areas, but it’s a fabulous sector and one more people are becoming interested in, which is why we are so thrilled to be hosting Ceramic Wales.”

Jane Williams from Dyffryn Ardudwy, a semi-finalist in BBC Two’s Great Pottery Throwdown, is also among the guests.

She said: “I’m so excited and chuffed to be taking part in this exhibition. I hope lots of people will come by and say hello.”

Fellow exhibitor and internationally-recognised potter, Meri Wells, added: “The standard of makers at Ceramic Wales is really high.

“There is a variety of lectures, demos and informative activities, all for free and out of the rain! This is a chance to buy a unique piece of ceramic art, whether to look at or eat your cornflakes off.”

For more information, visit the Ceramic Wales 2016 website.

The School will be holding evening classes in ceramics, glass and jewellery this October. Email c.alonso@glyndwr.ac.uk for details.