The main focus of the CAA's Annual Ceramic Art Show is the display of hundreds of items of ceramic which have been submitted to the Ceramic Art Competition by students at hobby ceramic studios around NSW, or by individuals working from home, or by school students.  All the items are submitted and judged before the Show opens to the public. Therefore visitors can see which pieces have been selected by the judges, as well as all the other entries.  

There is also a special category of items (N-6 Open Section) which is on display for the "People's Choice" award - for which every visitor is entitle to vote during the weekend.  Items in this category are usually of high merit but something 'went wrong' (maybe a split came in the last kiln firing) which meant it would be disqualified if entered for judging in the intended category.  Such pieces get a SECOND CHANCE and YOU get to be the judge if you visit the Show!  Be sure to exercise your rights this year!

If you are a relative beginner at ceramics and are thinking of entering a piece in this year's competition it's advisable to read these HINTS from qualified judges before you do.

Anybody, adult or child, may enter one or more pieces of their work into the Annual Ceramic Art Competition – as long as they meet the requirements of the Association, as set out in the Entry Rules, and complete the required Entry Form.
An Entry fee is charged per item and must accompany the entry form. Entries received after the deadline (a date given in each year's Show Information Pack) will incur a late fee of an extra $2 each entry.

The actual Ceramic items entered in the Show Competition must be delivered to the venue on Thursday between 2 pm and 8 pm.  (If you are a late entrant, and can't fax you forms beforehand, please be sure to bring the completed forms, plus the late entry fees, when you deliver your entries.)

The full list of the Competition Categories for the Show this year (in PDF format), together with their explanations, can be seen by clicking here and then down-loaded to your computer and printed, if you wish.
Definition of the Classes of Entrant (novice, hobbyist, professional, child etc) can be found here

In each Competition Category, and solely at the Judges' discretion, Certificate and Ribbon awards can be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Not all awards need be allocated in a particular category if the standard of work is not up to the judging standards. Judges may also give "Highly Commended" awards in some categories where entries merit them.

Once all Categories have been judged, then a second round of judging will determine the "Best in Group" awards and the overall "Best in Show" award. Items which achieve these awards will each receive a trophy and small prize, and will be displayed in a separate area of the Show from the rest of the entries.