"Sustainability is making a comeback, people are realising the importance of creativity, people are leading more balanced lives," Ms McLean said.
Over 100 people attended the opening night for "Inspired by Clay" show on Friday evening, November 1 at the Central Stories Museum.
It was triple the turnout of their last show in 2022.
Life member Ms McLean has observed many ebbs and flows in crafts popularity since she joined the club in 1978.
"In the 1970s it was booming. What put a halt to it was imported, cheap crockery. Everyone would pick a $2 mug over a $15 pottery mug, so we all had to go and get real jobs again."
She pots because she finds clay is extremely therapeutic to work with, and she can "sort problems in my head when I play with clay".
"I probably played with mud as a kid."
The club started in 1964, when 24 people came together for a government-funded pottery workshop and then decided to start a club with the help of a $6000 grant from The Henderson Trust.
The history of the club shows clay is no stranger to inflation. Costing $7.50 for 20kg in the 60s, it is now $42 for half that amount.
The club has had seven different homes in the town, operating from Alexandra School, and what is now the St John Ambulance rooms, and behind Alexandra Community House for the past 12 years.
Locally, pit-firing days are always popular for Alexandra potters, bringing the "fire bug" members of the club together, which involves putting their work in an open-flame pit to achieve a smooth and glazed look.
Club president Sandra Feron joined in 2021 with an intro to clay course hosted by Ms McLean, and straight away joined the committee.
She said last year they saw a big growth in membership, now up to 34 members.
A mixture of people meet over the pottery wheel. Mrs Feron said there was an older age group but new arrivals to town were also joining, as a way to meet people.
Mrs Feron marvels at how different all the club’s creations are, and how much "diversity" there is.
Over 60 works are on display for the "Inspired By Clay" exhibition, which runs until November 28 at the Central Stories museum.
