At 20 idyllic locations around the northern rivers on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 of August
for the annual Mud Trail weekend, run in conjunction with The Australian Ceramics Association’s national Open Studios event.
Many artists will host studio talks, demonstrations and workshops throughout the weekend and you will find thousands of functional and sculptural works of art for sale, handcrafted using diverse methods & finishes; there’s bound to be a piece that is perfect for you.
Pick up a map & make your way to some, or all of the locations, for a fabulous weekend of full immersion in the vibrant ceramic arts community this region is fast becoming famous for.
The Clay Barn
This month we open the doors for the Open Studios weekend on Sat 19 and Sun 20 August.
The Clay Barn welcomes Lisa Benny from Harvest Clay for the weekend, located between Bangalow and Newrybar on the Hinterland Way drop in to see wheel-throwing demonstrations, paint a pot for $10 or buy ceramics by Zani and Lisa at studio prices.
Enquiries: call 6687 1779 or 0417 867 801.
The Merchant of Venice
Money makes the world go around.
Portia has it. Bassanio wants it. Shylock lends it. Antonio owes the value of it. Love also plays a part. Portia offers it. Bassanio wants it. And Antonio may lose a pound of flesh for it.
This uncompromising and dark production explores the tense relationship and prejudices between those who have, and those who don’t. Dark in its humour and bawdy in its romantic hijinks, The Merchant of Venice takes audiences on a journey of love, mercy and justice.
Featuring 3-time Helpmann Award winner Mitchell Butel (Janet King and Rake) as the defiant Shylock, and Jessica Tovey (Wolf Creek and Wonderland) as Portia, the production will be directed by Anne-Louise Sarks (Belvoir’s Jasper Jones and Medea), this masterfully envisioned production tackles the prejudices and preconceived notions of one of Shakespeare’s most challenging plays.
Two shows only at NORPA Thursday 7 and Friday 8 September. www.norpa.org.au
Byron Writers Festival 2017
Byron Writers Festival keeps the conversations going with Grayling, Flanagan and O’Brien
Couldn’t make the Festival this year or hungry for more? Byron Writers Festival is delighted to present two must-see events this spring.
A.C Grayling, Wednesday 6 September
Back by popular demand, acclaimed philosopher AC Grayling takes centre stage at the Byron Theatre to tackle Democracy and Its Crisis. This talk will provide an urgent exploration of the challenges facing democracy today from one of our most trusted voices.
Richard Flanagan in conversation with Kerry O’Brien, Tuesday 10 October
In his first visit to Byron Bay since winning the Man Booker Prize for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Richard Flanagan will chat with Kerry O’Brien about his haunting new novel First Person.
Details and tickets: byronwritersfestival.com/whats-on.
Save the dates
If you’ve been thinking about expanding your art practice, applications for 2018 year-long courses open 28 August.
The upcoming BSA Open Day on 17 September is a great opportunity to meet the teachers, see the new school and have your questions answered. Get your work out there: BSA Project Space exhibition proposals close 31 August.
For more info visit byronschoolofart.com.
