In 1978 the Dandenong Ceramic Group was formed by a group of Potters guided by Margaret Holloway. This came about because the Dandenong Council, in conjunction with Arts/Craft Victoria 1978 invited local groups to join together to hold a festival and Margaret was asked to organize a working display of local potters, hence the group was born.
The Dandenong Ceramic Group was open to anyone interested in the study of Ceramics, and the group's objective was (as it is today) to "encourage and stimulate members to higher standards of craftsmanship; to disseminate theoretical, practical and historical knowledge of potters and to endeavor to provide a point of contact with fellow potters".
The name was changed to Valley Potters in 1985 and Incorporated in 1987 as new members were being attracted from a wider area, including the Peninsula, Dandenong and Gippsland.
Annual exhibitions are held and are open to all members from students to professionals. Our first annual exhibition was in 1979 and was opened by Connie Driden, President of Victorian Ceramics Group. Since then we have held one exhibition in October and another earlier in the year, usually between March and May.
Workshops, activities, e.g. Raku firing, and social gatherings are held regularly; the emphasis being on a friendly relaxed atmosphere conducive to free exchange of ideas.
The first newsletter, handwritten, was issued in August 1978, and has been issued regularly ever since. Today we have a bi-monthly issue.
Our Annual General Meeting is held each year in September, and our membership is now approximately 80, including five honorary members - Margaret Holloway, Will Mulder, Judi McCrum, Glenn England and Helen Taylor. These members have been recognised for their service to the group.
Valley Potters Inc. is a non-profit group, and has received great support from sponsors, such as Clayworks, Potters Equipment, Landmark, Clover Cottage and Lizbeth Duncan.
This is a brief history, but not the end of the story. We have a continuing strong program thanks to many willing committee members.
