The exhibition celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Fireworks Clay Studios as a cooperative in Riverside, Cardiff. Sixteen ceramists are represented, including three ex-members of the cooperative. The show gives an extraordinarily exciting and diverse insight into the ways in which ceramics can be used as a means of self expression, social comment and reflection on our past and present. From the functional to the sculptural and everything in between. From Virginia Graham’s interest in how we hoard, collect and display china with either antique value or only sentimental value, to Lisa Krigel’s interest in how the wedding as an event has become an over the top carnival of kitsch. There is variety in the materials and techniques used from the purest porcelain to the earthiest terracotta, from intuitive wheel throwing to methodical slip casting. But there is also mixed media, with found objects, feathers, nails, plastic and rope, used in conjunction with clay. Each artist’s source of inspiration is unique and personal, from autobiographical influences to dealing with historical or political issues, or a response to the material itself.

The contributors are: Daniel Allen, Sam Bakewell, John Blackwell, Kelly Campbell, David Cushway, Lowri Davies, Anne Gibbs, Virginia Graham, Lisa Krigel, Nick Lees, Sara Moorhouse, Emma Parker, Matthew Rowe, Caroline Taylor, Matthew Thompson, Gemma Wilde.

Exhibition curated by Mererid Velios. An exhibition catalogue is available.

The exhibition starts at Oriel y Bont, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd on November 5th and continues there until 7th December 2007.

The exhibition is touring to the following venues:

• Llantarnam Arts Centre, Cwmbran - January 12th to March 1st;
• Leicester City Art Gallery - March 15th to May 7th;
• Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen - July 26th to September 6th;
• Black Swan and Bath Spa College - October 9th to November 10th;
• Eton College - January 26th to March 2nd 2009; Aberystwyth Arts Centre;
• Howard Gardens Gallery, UWIC Cardiff.

A touring exhibition funded by the Arts Council of Wales