Local not-for-profit community organisation, The Central Coast Potters Society (CCPS), is celebrating 50 years with a special exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery opening this week.

The Central Coast Council is pleased to support ‘Lines of Inspiration’, an exhibition which reflects on the long line of local clay workers and pays tribute to those members who continue to carry the society’s vision forward.

Council Unit Manager Leisure & Lifestyle, Phil Cantillon, said the exhibition was inspired by the work of founding member Joan Matthews, ‘Raku Vessel’, which forms the centrepiece of the display.

“The ‘Lines of Inspiration’ exhibition was conceived to celebrate the collective wealth of knowledge and inspiration passed down through 50 years of the Potters Society.” Mr Cantillon said.

“The Society started with just five members in 1968 and over thirty members were involved in this special exhibition.

“Much clay has passed through many hands since the CCPS was established and this exhibition is a fitting way to celebrate the society’s rich history with the Central Coast community.”

The CCPS is a non-profit organisation that was established on the Australia Day weekend in 1968 by five locals; Margaret Keane, Roger Keane, Harry Arnall, Kitty Orvad and Joan Matthews.

Originally housed at the old Scout Hall in Terrigal, the society was formed to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of pottery to the community.

Today, the CCPS hold regular classes, workshops and demonstrations keeping the ancient art of ceramics and sculpture alive on the Coast for all to enjoy.

Exhibition participants volunteered for the project and were divided into three groups, each becoming a ‘line’. The first three participants created a work inspired by Matthews’ ‘Raku Vessel’ with the resulting work becoming the inspiration for the next three participants.

Mayor Jane Smith said this week is also National Volunteer Week and the CCPS members who volunteered to be part of ‘Lines of Inspiration’ should be acknowledged for their contribution to our region.

“National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the great volunteers we have here on the Central Coast who give their time so generously to help make the Coast and our community a better place to be.” Mayor Smith said.

“‘Give a little. Change a lot’ is the theme for this year’s National Volunteering Week and it clearly highlights just how much positive change in our community can be made when you volunteer to help others.

“I encourage you to drop in and visit this special exhibition which not only highlights our rich art heritage, but also shows the great contribution that those who volunteer make to bettering our society.”

‘Lines of Inspiration’ will be on display to the public from Saturday 26 May until Sunday 15 July with an Artist Floor Talk on Saturday 2 June at 2pm.

For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/galleries