QCA Judges 2026
QCA Judges 2026
Each of our judges is a practicing artist, an active member of the Quarry Arts Centre, and a passionate supporter of ceramic and uku artists, fostering opportunities and creative growth in our creative community. Their insight, experience, and dedication make them the perfect champions for celebrating the outstanding work of this year’s finalists.
Barry Squire – Artist and Co‑owner/Director of Hangar Art & Framing
Megan Corbett – Artist and Co‑owner/Director of Hangar Art & Framing
Alicia Courtney – Curator of Hihiaua Cultural Centre and Chair of the Northland Craft Trust
Barry Squire has been a practising artist in the Te Tai Tokerau Northland art community for 36 years. Painting is his core practice, but he has a degree majoring in sculpting, and a long history in print. He is also well known in the field of avant guard sound. As a painter he has exhibited nationally and internationally. Barry was a trustee for the Northland Craft Trust and has facilitated courses and workshops.
Megan Corbett has been involved in the Te Tai Tokerau Northland art community for over 30 years. As an artist and print maker she has taught printmaking, creativity and art related workshops. Her prints have been shown in exhibitions and print symposiums in New Zealand and internationally. Megan was chairperson of Te Kowhai Print Trust and Whangārei District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme. She judged the Kaipara Art Awards in 2022 and 2024 and was a finalist in the NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards in 2026.
Alicia Courtney
A short kōrero with Alicia about her involvement in this years awards:
Can you tell us a little about your background in the arts or ceramics?
Currently I am the curator of Hihiaua Cultural Centre and I have along history of being a maker.
What is your involvement with the Quarry Arts Centre?
I am the Chair of the Quarry board and I am part of the Quarry Soda Firing Kiln group.
What does it mean to you to be a judge for the Quarry Ceramic Awards this year and what do you enjoy most about supporting or working with artists?
Supporting the arts is my greatest passion and I'm honoured to support the QCA through judging over the coming weeks. My favourite part of being a judge this year is seeing the scope and depth of artistic expression we have in our community and wider communities.
What do you tend to look for in ceramic work?
I look for craftsmanship, kaupapa and individual expression.
Photo credit: Liam Martyn Astbury @ctrlprint.la
Barry Squire & Megan Corbett
Barry Squire has been a practising artist in the Te Tai Tokerau Northland art community for 36 years. Painting is his core practice, but he has a degree majoring in sculpting, and a long history in print. He is also well known in the field of avant guard sound. As a painter he has exhibited nationally and internationally. Barry was a trustee for the Northland Craft Trust and has facilitated courses and workshops.
Megan Corbett has been involved in the Te Tai Tokerau Northland art community for over 30 years. As an artist and print maker she has taught printmaking, creativity and art related workshops. Her prints have been shown in exhibitions and print symposiums in New Zealand and internationally. Megan was chairperson of Te Kowhai Print Trust and Whangārei District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme. She judged the Kaipara Art Awards in 2022 and 2024 and was a finalist in the NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards in 2026.
Megan and husband Barry Squire own Hangar Art and Framing, with their business reaching the 20-year milestone in 2026; an art gallery facilitating and curating independent exhibitions. Their role is to supply experience in bespoke framing, technical support and consultation for local arts and artists.
What is your involvement with the Quarry Arts Centre?
We have a long history with the Quarry Arts Centre.
Megan,
I first visited the Quarry Arts Centre in the 1980's on a school trip led by artist and teacher Zela Charlton. It was an eye-opening experience to see artists working in a purpose built and unique environment
Baz,
I first came across the Quarry Arts Centre in the early 1990's and discovered it was a space that suited my kaupapa as an artist.
We lived at the Quarry in a studio behind the kiln in1992 and have amazing memories of living in a community of like-minded individuals. We have been involved in Summer - Do's and workshops as students and facilitators.
What does it mean to you to be a judge for the Quarry Ceramic Awards this year?
Megan
It is a privilege to be approached to be a judge of art awards. I enjoy seeing the time, effort and skill put into the submitted work. I have also been on the other side of the competition and have empathy for the artists whose work wasn't selected.
Baz
It is a privileged position to be a judge, to understand the responsibility that is entrusted, and take it seriously.
What do you enjoy most about supporting or working with artists?
Megan
As a gallery owner I enjoy showcasing the talented artists in our motu. I am passionate about contributing to and promoting our thriving art community.
Baz
Artists are vibrant beings and I enjoy creative personalities.
What do you tend to look for in ceramic work?
Megan
I enjoy ceramic work for its form, glaze and function. I like the concept of 'wabi sabi' pieces, the aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection and simplicity.
Baz
I look for subtly in line and form in ceramic pieces, original ideas and well considered thought processes.
