One of Australia’s foremost woodfire potters is bringing more than 40 years of ceramic artworks to Perc Tucker Regional Gallery with the exhibition Len Cook: Fire and Rain.
The exhibition launches Friday, May 12 and has been curated by former Perc Tucker Regional Gallery director Ross Searle, drawing together nearly 80 of Cook’s works on loan from public and private collections, as well as key works from the artist’s own collection.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the exhibition was a celebration of nationally-recognised artistic excellence born out of North Queensland.
“Many people know Len from his Paluma pottery, Len Cook Ceramics. He is one of the country’s most distinct potters and a shining example of great artistry from the north,” Cr Greaney said.
“Fire and Rain will take Perc Tucker Regional Gallery visitors on a journey through more than 40 years of pottery thrown, built and cast by Len and exhibited far and wide.
“Visitors will also get an up-close-and-personal look at Len’s passion for wood-fired kilns and pots that are glazed with natural ash deposits in traditional Japanese kilns. This is a very unique and interesting style and I’m sure gallerygoers will be enrapt with his blend of East Asian technique and North Queensland inspiration.
“While you’re visiting stop and say hello to our gallery staff who will be able to tell you more about the exhibition as well as activities that are coming up at the gallery to take part in.
“Council is proud to be able to bring free exhibitions of such a high calibre to Townsville, enhancing our city’s arts and culture tourism offerings and providing opportunities for local artists to grow and exhibit their work right here in North Queensland.”
Len Cook: Fire and Rain will be on show at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery from this Friday to Sunday, August 13.
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday to Friday and from 10 am to 1 pm each weekend. Entry is free.
For more information, visit Council’s website.