Andrew Parker Ceramics is doing something new for this year’s Seasons of New England Festival – and it’s very Uralla.
The local ceramic artist has always had a range of sought after functional ceramics, along side his stunning scultures, but this year he has crowdsourced a whole collection of sayings about Uralla, and put them on fun mugs.
The project began as a simple creative exercise, following a busy period that included an exhibition at Weswal Gallery. Looking for something “light” and fun, Parker started compiling slogan ideas before opening it up to the community via social media and the Uralla Community Noticeboard.
The response was immediate and enthusiastic.
“Firstly, there were more slogans than I could possibly get around to putting onto mugs,” Parker said. “Thanks to all who participated. I have been flattered by your response.”
Parker selected his favourites based on what he describes as his “warped sense of humour and personal bias,” resulting in a mix of cheeky, affectionate and slightly irreverent takes on life in Uralla.
Among the slogans now appearing on mugs are “My-ralla Ur-alla,” submitted by the parents of a three-year-old, alongside crowd favourites like “Uralla made me do it!” and “Found a fella in Uralla.” Others lean more playful or tongue-in-cheek, including “Knocked up in Uralla”, which could be a consequence of finding a fella, and “High on Uralla”, which he thinks is something to do with the altitude.
There’s some political ones too, such as ‘MUGA – Make Uralla Great Again’ – For the mugs who may not believe that Uralla isn’t great already.
One accidental inclusion, “Harmed by Uralla,” came from a missed letter during production – it was supposed to say ‘Charmed by Uralla’, but Parker left it in the collection saying “that’s probably how other towns feel”.
Parker will be located at Shop 38 near the King Street entrance during Seasons, where the mugs and other ceramic works will be on display. Contributors whose slogans were selected will also be offered a discount.
“I’m gifting the 3 year old their mug,” he said.
Also at Seasons this weekend is Onyx Castle, from the edge of New England on the Dorrigo Plateau, making jewellery and curiosities built on creativity and a passion for the natural world.
“Onyx Castle was created from a lifelong passion for crystals, creativity, and the magic found in the natural world,” says owner Priscilla Gilbert.
At the centre of the business is a focus on handmade jewellery and accessories, alongside a curated range of crystals and unusual pieces.
“At the heart of Onyx Castle is a love of handmade jewellery and accessories, each piece carefully crafted to showcase the unique beauty and energy of natural stones,” Gilbert says.
“Alongside these creations you’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of crystals, statement pieces, and an ever-growing oddities collection for those who appreciate the unusual, the curious, and the beautifully strange.”
Gilbert says the business reflects both her background and her environment.
“Growing up in the bush surrounded by animals, wide open paddocks, and the quiet magic of nature sparked a lifelong love of crystals, creativity, and the unusual,” she says.
“Our jewellery and accessories aren’t just decorative—they’re designed to feel personal, symbolic, and expressive,” Gilbert says.
“Many pieces draw on spiritual, celestial, and nature-inspired themes, allowing customers to connect with something deeper, whether that’s self-expression, ritual, or curiosity about the unseen.”
Onyx Castle also places an emphasis on authenticity, small-batch production, and locally made products, with new ‘curiosity range’ in development, and custom orders also available.
“At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to small-batch, locally made products that value craftsmanship, individuality, and a sense of wonder.”
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