United States ceramicist and 2009 Portage Ceramic Awards judge Scott Chamberlin says the Dunedin art school stands alone in New Zealand in teaching ceramic art.
"There is currently only one tertiary provider [the Otago Polytechnic School of Art] which provides a dedicated course in ceramics," he said.
"Ceramic tertiary education in this country has very nearly been abandoned.
"Serious programmes for ceramic artists to advance their studio practice and broaden their knowledge are extremely limited.
"I encourage the larger contemporary art community to support these artists."
Chamberlin says the lack of training has retarded the standard of ceramic art in New Zealand.
"The very best works in these awards could compete anywhere in the world with confidence. It is the overall quality of the artwork entered that surprises and concerns me.
"I've spoken to many enthusiasts in the New Zealand ceramic community and there seems to be unanimous agreement that works need to be more contemporary; for the artists to take more risks."
A record number of 200 entries were received for the awards this year.
The winner will be announced on October 15.