Potting about for a worthy cause

Possum Creek politician turned potter Richard Jones is opening his studio with others on the North Coast Mud Trail this weekend.

He donates part of the proceeds  to Rainforest Trust to conserve rainforest worldwide, including the Daintree.

‘Last year’s Mud Trail donation was enough to conserve 2,000 acres in Peru,’ he said.

This year he’s aiming for 1,000 acres in Nepal to help create the vast Lumbasumba corridor to protect the Snow Leopard and other endangered species.

All of the funds donated go to the projects and are matched by an anonymous donor.

Twenty studios

Twenty local studios are opening their doors on the Mud Trail this year with an enormous variety of new work on display.

‘Ceramics are making a big comeback,’ said Richard.

‘People are supporting local potters and craftspeople as never before. They are now preferring individually handmade pieces with character to mass-produced identical imports. It’s very encouraging.’

Richard will have more than 1,200 pieces for sale at his studio, number 15 on the Mud Trail, at Possum Creek, mostly plates, bowls and cups, hand carved and painted with trees and birds. Hundreds of these will be on sale at ten dollars.

The northern rivers is fast becoming known around Australia as a centre for ceramic art.

The quality of work on show in studios this year will likely cement that reputation.

For more info visit www.northcoastmudtrail.com.au.