The Midlands Potters Association organises demonstrations, firing events and open and selected exhibitions with galleries. Demonstrations are with a professional ceramic artist which gives members the opportunity to learn techniques and discuss ideas. Midlands Potters also gets involved with community projects such as Artsfest, The Lord Mayor’s Show and St George’s Day in Birmingham.
Area groups have formed within the MPA. The area groups of Birmingham and Lichfield meet up socially on a regular basis to organise group exhibitions, workshops and firing days. Firing events take the form of Raku, paper kilns, smoke firings and pit firings. These groups provide a focus for discussion, guidance and support to members. Any one from any group area can attend any other group meeting, there are no restrictions. Just go to a meeting that is convenient to you.
An AGM is held in October or November, each year, and all members are encouraged to attend and support the development of the organisation.
Benefits of membership
- Regular free newsletters
- Exhibit in group exhibitions
- Workshops & Pit firing & Raku days
- Member’s website selling page
- Reduced rates to demonstrations from leading ceramicists
- 10% discounts at Potclays
- 5% discounts at The Potters Connection
- 10% discounts at Potterycrafts
- 5% discounts at CTM Potters Supplies
- Social events & invaluable advice from supportive members
Subscription rates
| Membership Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Ordinary membership | £26 annually (joining after April the fee is £13) |
| Workshop membership* | £44 annually (joining after April the fee is £22) |
| Student membership | £20 annually (proof of full-time study required). |
*Workshop membership – for workshops of two artists who must exhibit together
The annual subscription runs from 1st October to 30th September. Members are encouraged to pay by the beginning of October each year either electronically, by cheque to the Treasurer or by setting up a Standing Order.
The MPA gives its members opportunities to exhibit work and organises open and selected exhibitions each year. We have exhibited at The Midlands Arts Centre; The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists; Worcester Cathedral; The Hub at Sleaford; Woodbridge Gallery, Moseley and other Midlands venues. The MPA encourages members to meet for social events, discussions, demonstrations and workshops which are all advertised in the MPA Newsletter, emailed to the members or posted on the website www.midlandspotters.co.uk.
The newsletter is sent free to all members 4 times a year, by post or by email. Members are encouraged to send articles, reviews, news, equipment for sale and wants, etc. for publication. Members are invited to write a few words about their work but it is optional. It is intended that this “personal statement” will be placed in the records together with at least four digital images of current work (preferably in .jpg format) but also optional. This data may be used in exhibitions and on our website for the selection of work for some exhibitions. Images may also be used in promotions or advertising. Each image must show your name.
You may wish to give information on the sources of your ideas and on your methods of making, decorating or firing. You may also like to provide more details about your areas of interest and expertise in ceramics to share with the membership.
