Exhibition opening. Ceramic Alumni UJ - end of an era (1966-2010)

Ceramic statement by Elsbeth Burkhalter

The Ceramics Alumni UJ Exhibition - the end of an era (1966-2010), began its run at the FADA Gallery last week, about 70 guests attended the opening. It was rather cold and some of the loyal supporters had to tame the rush-hour traffic, to make it in time for the opening address. Guests included the Dean of the Faculty, professor Marian Sauthoff, the head of the Department of Jewellery and Ceramics, Judy Ramgolam , a number of staff members and a few students, alumni and also a few supporting head of departments and members of Ceramic SA. Last but not least, I wish to thank the local arts and crafts community as well as one or two collectors that turned up for the launch of the exhibition and purchased some of the works on show.

View of ground floor exhibit.

I delivered the opening address, an edited version of which will be published in the next issue of the official magazine of Ceramics SA - National Ceramics Quarterly. Many photographs were taken on the opening night, of the guests as well as the ceramic work on display; some of these images are posted below and a few will hopefully be selected to showcase the event in NCQ.



Work by Catherine Jacobs and Michelle Legg.

  I offer the following images and text to provide an opportunity to share the event with those whom could not attend; it hopefully gives a sampling of the work produced by our alumni currently on show in the FADA gallery. The exhibition runs until next Wednesday, 25 August. 

Work by John Shirley.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank a few individuals, without whom it would not have been possible to host this exhibition, for their contributions. Rosalind Cleaver for her curatorial assistance and support. John Shirley, the mastermind behind the event, and Sebastian Rivett-Carnac, one of our current students, for assisting with the lighting. I also wish to thank members of the Gallery committee for their continued support, to host the exhibition and for the financial assistance.

John Shirley's work being admired.

 Jewellery and Ceramic Department staff at the opening.
Judy Ramgolam (HOD) and Farieda Nazier.

Opening Address by Eugene Hon.

Planter by Sue Sellschop.

Work by Nesta and Thembi Nala  - UJ Collection.

Another view of the display, including banner.

Work by Ainsley Taylor and Lisa Firer (cylinders).

Michelle Legg (work for her M Tech) - UJ Collection.

Teapot by Peter Mthombeni.

Work By Clementina van der Walt.

Work by Nikki Swanepoel (work for her M Tech - Fine Art). 

Work by Sebastian Rivett-Carnac.