About Valley Potters Inc.
Our Story
For nearly five decades, Valley Potters Inc. has been an active force in Victoria’s ceramic arts community. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are dedicated to fostering creativity, craftsmanship, and connection among potters of all experience levels.
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Through exhibitions, workshops, and social events, we provide opportunities for members to share ideas, expand their skills, and find inspiration in one another’s work. Our aim is to create a sense of belonging and empowerment — a place where creativity flourishes, friendships form, and knowledge is freely exchanged.
Beyond making, we value the theoretical, practical, and historical dimensions of ceramics, celebrating both traditional methods and contemporary approaches. We are committed to inclusivity and to amplifying diverse voices within our community, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported in their artistic journey.
Our founders and those members who have had a hand in shaping the Valley Potters into the vibrant inclusive group we are today.
LEFT TO RIGHT: MARGARET HOLLOWAY, HELEN TAYLOR, JUDI MCCRUM AND ALI PARKINSON
Our history
Our story began in 1978, when the Dandenong Ceramic Group was formed under the guidance of Margaret Holloway. The group was born out of a local initiative by the Dandenong Council and Arts/Craft Victoria, which invited community groups to collaborate on a festival. Margaret organised a working display of local potters — and from that shared enthusiasm, the Dandenong Ceramic Group emerged, open to anyone interested in the study of ceramics.
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As the group grew and attracted members from across a wider region, it evolved into Valley Potters in 1985, becoming formally incorporated in 1987. Today, we continue that founding spirit of collaboration and creativity, building a stronger, more connected pottery community for generations to come.
A word from Valley Potters founder Margaret Holloway
In 1978 the pottery scene in Melbourne was fairly small. Being a young mum living in the outer suburbs I had little contact with other potters. In 1978, the Year Of The Arts, I was approached by the Dandenong council to put on a pottery display at their festival. This led to me finding other potters in the area and from that the Dandenong Ceramic Group, later the Valley Potters, was born. Like me many potters worked in isolation, this gave us the opportunity to share ideas and the opportunity to exhibit our work.
Meet Our Creative Minds
Our Exhibition History
Annual exhibitions are held and are open to all members. The first annual exhibition was held in 1979 and opened by Connie Driden, President of the Victorian Ceramics Group. Valley Potters hold one exhibition in November and another earlier in the year, usually between March and May, depending on interest. The annual exhibition has major prizes awarded including an acquisition award now call the "Lisbeth Duncan Acquisition Award". We are in the process of photographing past winners, who were previously on display at Clayworks, and will showcase them on the website when complete.
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Valley Potters celebrated it 30th Anniversary in 2008. A major exhibition was held at Manningham Gallery, Doncaster Vic. to mark the occasion. A showcase of members' current work, as well as a display of the group's Acquisition pots were exhibited.
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Our Annual General Meeting is held each year in September and our membership is now approximately 100+, including Life Members - Margaret Holloway, Judi McCrum, Helen Taylor (dec), Yvonne Strik (dec), Raine Edwards, Glenn England, Laura Windmill, Juliet Widdows and Sharon Twining. These members have been recognised for their contribution to the group.
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In 2018, the Valley Potters exhibit "ENTHRALLED" commemorated our 40th year celebration. We are currently planning for our 50th-year celebration in 2028.
