Halpin, Hirst and Young

Ursula Halpin, Alex Hirst and Emma Young - 9 - 23 November 2025

Glass artists Alex, Emma and Ursula joined us from South Australia. They attended the Ausglass Conference held here at Poatina at the beginning of the year and successfully secured one of two Artist-in-Residence packages. The residency was made possible through generous funding from Create SA, alongside significant in-kind support from Poatina Arts. Alex, Ursula and Emma also acknowledge Aimee Frodsham, CEO and Artistic Director of Canberra Glassworks, whose significant support contributed to their success. Over a two-week period in November, Alex and Emma utilised the hotshop, flameworking and cold-working facilities while Ursula produced many pâte de verre kiln-formed glass pieces.

Here is how Alex summarised their residency:

‘The two-week residency at Poatina was a deeply rewarding experience, offering exceptional facilities and full access to the studio throughout our stay. Emma and I focused on developing new works for an upcoming exhibition next year, responding to objects from a vast manor house collection. My work drew inspiration from a Victorian children’s rattle, while Emma responded to a vide poche meaning “empty pockets” using the time to push ideas and refine our processes in the Hotshop. Ursula embraced a more experimental approach, exploring new patterns and colour choices beyond her traditional delicate, doily-like forms, making use of the variety of kilns available to her. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to experiment freely, slow down our making, and engage meaningfully with the surrounding landscape and welcoming local community.’

The trio immersed themselves in art making and the richness of the Poatina community, all saying they'd like to return soon.