Earthy exhibitions coming to The Condensery
Published on 24 April 2026
Shifting Ground artist Vicki Grima’s ‘Lidded Vessel 1, 2, 3’, 2022, Eagles Close, Red Retreat and Hillside Clays, courtesy of the artist.
THE CONDENSERY – Somerset Regional Art Gallery will soon open its doors to three new exhibitions exploring the history of women potters, contemporary Somerset ceramicists, and immersive organic installations.
‘Shifting ground’, ‘Earthen form’ and ‘Unturned’ will be on display at The Condensery from 2 May to 12 July, with an exhibition opening held 5pm Friday, 8 May and clay and ceramics workshops on Saturday, 9 May.
Larissa Warren’s ‘Shifting ground’ explores the history of women potters from the Tamborine Mountains with a dynamic selection of artworks by twelve contemporary Australian artists alongside a poignant collection of historical pieces by pioneering women potters from the region.
Alongside this display comes ‘Earthen Form’, an exhibition profiling the works of four contemporary Somerset ceramicists who respond to the region’s natural colours and forms while experimenting with incorporating locally sourced materials within their practice. The exhibition also showcases works created by Toogoolawah State High School students through workshops led by Larissa Warren.
Lastly, in the Bomb Shelter exhibition space, Hannah Stanton’s ‘Unturned’ is an immersive installation using stone and other organic elements inviting the audience to ponder overlooked items in everyday life.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the new, earthy exhibitions had something for everyone.
“We’re thrilled to feature such a poignant representation of women’s potter history at The Condensery,” Cr Jess said.
“It’s also a pleasure to feature ceramic work created by our very own students at Toogoolawah State High School.”
The art community is invited to celebrate the exhibition’s opening, held 5pm Friday, 8 May with light catering and a curator’s talk from Larissa Warren.
On Saturday, 9 May hands-on pottery and ceramics workshops will be led by ‘Shifting Ground’ artist Stephanie James-Manttan, catering for children from 10.30am-12pm and adults from 1pm-3pm.
To view exhibition and program details visit thecondensery.com.au
For more information contact Somerset Regional Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery is located at 29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah.
‘Shifting ground’ is a touring exhibition curated by Larissa Warren and presented in partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council and Museums and Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia Program. Museums and Galleries Queensland is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.