Alice Springs visual arts lecturer recognised nationally

The Charles Darwin University (CDU) Alice Springs Visual Arts community is being recognised nationally after a local Ceramicist was selected for acclaimed Artist-in-Residence program and her student is a finalist for a major art prize.

CDU VET Visual Arts Lecturer and acclaimed Ceramicist Mel Robson has been chosen as one of this year’s 2022 Craft ACT Artists-in-Residence, in partnership with the National Library and ACT National Parks, which will create opportunities for her to develop her professional practice.

The Craft ACT Artist-in-Residence program is nationally acclaimed, which will collaborate with The National Library of Australia, to give artists the opportunity to research a nationally significant collection.

The National Library of Australia is home to over one million maps which includes early European charts to current mappings of Australia, which drew Ms Robson to apply for the residency.

“As a teacher and as an artist it is a real opportunity for growth and professional development.  These experiences feed into my expertise, and I can use the time to further develop skills and approaches to making that I can bring back to the classroom,” Ms Robson said.

Ms Robson’s Certificate IV student, Gretel Bull has been selected as one of the 58 finalists out of over 500 entries for The Alice Prize one of the most significant regional art prizes in the country.  

Ms Robson has been sharing her craft with CDU students in the Visual Arts department for more than 10 years, and said she is proud her students have been recognised for their talent.

“Ms Bull has been studying with me for the past two years and I am so pleased her tremendous talent is being recognised,” Ms Robson said.

In 2023 Ms Robson will present the outcomes of her research and residency with a new body of work at the Craft ACT Craft and Design gallery in Canberra.

Ms Bull’s art piece will be on exhibition at the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs and the winner will be announced on April 8.

To learn more about the Visual Arts program on offer in Alice Springs visit www.cdu.edu.au/study/vet-creative-arts-design#/courses