Announcing Our Distinguished Judging Panel: 2025 Klytie Pate Ceramics Award

We are delighted to announce the exceptional judging panel for the 2025 Klytie Pate Ceramics Award. This year's exhibition, running from 19 September to 6 October 2025 at MACE Mansfield, will be evaluated by three distinguished experts whose combined expertise spans decades of ceramic practice, education, and curation.

The Klytie Pate Ceramics Award, now in its fifth year, continues to honor the legacy of one of Australia's most influential ceramicists. Established by Dr Will Twycross to commemorate his godmother Klytie Pate, this prestigious award celebrates excellence and innovation in contemporary ceramics across Australia and New Zealand.

Meet Our 2025 Judges

Janet DeBoos

Janet DeBoos brings unparalleled international expertise as former Head of Ceramics at the Australian National University and member of the International Academy of Ceramics Geneva. Working from her mountain studio Brindabella Pottery, Janet has conducted workshops across five continents and her work is held in major collections worldwide. Her international judging experience includes the Korean Ceramics Biennale and Cheongju Craft Biennale.

Janet deBoos

Anna Maas

Anna Maas brings over 37 years of ceramics expertise as Director and Founder of Skepsi Gallery. Since 2000, she has curated over 200 exhibitions and established herself as a leading authority in Australian ceramics. As an approved valuer for the Australian Cultural Gifts Program, Anna specializes in Australian Studio Ceramics from 1945 to present. Her multifaceted role as consultant, judge, and curator has made her an influential voice in Australia's ceramics community.

Anna Maas

Christopher Sanders

Christopher Sanders offers a unique perspective shaped by four decades of ceramic practice. Learning from his father, potter Tom Sanders, and master potter Ian Sprague, Christopher developed distinctive wheel-thrown works with orientalising influences. After twenty years of tertiary teaching, he transitioned to photographically documenting ceramics, bringing his maker's eye to the documentation process. This dual perspective as both creator and documenter provides invaluable insight into contemporary ceramic practice.

Christopher Saunders

A Panel of Excellence

Together, these three judges represent the breadth and depth of contemporary ceramic practice – from international academic leadership to innovative documentation, from gallery curation to hands-on making. Their combined expertise ensures that the 2025 Klytie Pate Ceramics Award will recognise not only technical excellence but also innovation, conceptual depth, and the evolving nature of ceramic art.

Entries for the 2025 Klytie Pate Ceramics Award are open from until 27 June 2025. Artists working in ceramics across Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to submit works created within the past two years for consideration by this distinguished panel.

For entry forms and complete terms and conditions, visit: www.artsmansfield.com.au/klytie-pate-entry-form

The 2025 Klytie Pate Ceramics Award and Exhibition will be held at MACE, 145 - 147 High Street, Mansfield from 19 September to 5 October 2025. Arts Mansfield is located in the heart of Victoria's High Country, providing a stunning backdrop for this celebration of contemporary ceramic excellence.