Kia ora clay family,
The shelves are fast filling up with awesome pieces the kids are making in the School Holiday Programmes. It's great to see so many happy little faces. The team will be busy getting everything through the kilns - more on that below. In the meantime we hope you're all staying warm and dry, and get some time to cosy up on the couch.
Spotted in the studio this week
Term 3 classes
Most of the classes are fully booked with waitlists but there are still a few places left in the following:
53rd annual exhibition coming up
FRESH BAKED: The Waikato Society of Potters 53rd annual exhibition
Entries open: Sunday 1 June 2025
Entries close: Sunday 3 August 2025 at 11.59pm.
Opening preview Thursday 14th August, 5.30pm at Artspost
Exhibition dates: 15 August to 14 September
Judge: Waikato Society of Potters is delighted to announce the judge for this year's exhibition and awards is Richard Fahey.
There are hard copy entry forms at the studio or you can enter online here.
WSP closed 14 to 27 July
We will be completely closed for 2 weeks from Monday 14 July while the roof and the kiln room ceiling room are replaced, and the electrical wiring is upgraded.
That leaves next week and the first week in August to get your pots in to be fired for the exhibition. Margaret and the team will do their best to get everything through the kilns but please don't leave it to the last minute. Thanks for your understanding.
NB final drop off for firing before closure is Saturday is 12 July.
Open Studio, Play with Clay, and Kids’ Play with Clay sessions will resume the week starting Monday 28th of July. Term 3 classes will start then too.
Matariki shindig update
The weather gods weren't kind on Saturday but by all accounts there was a great turnout for the hangi on Saturday and the kai was kapai. The firing went ahead on Sunday and was dug up on Tuesday evening. Thanks everyone who helped with all the work and of course a huge shout out to Caroline for having everyone there. The results can be seen and collected from the shelves at the end of the studio.
More pics to come once the pots have been given a scrub.
Margaret's pick of the month
Congratulations Frances O'Donoghue. Frances is a regular at Wednesday morning Play With Clay and makes super fine porcelain pieces. Gorgeous.
Mighty Waikato Pottery Throwdown
Saturday 23 August 10am to 2pm
Planning is under way so limber up folks - you'll want your fingers at their fittest for this fabulous day of frivolity and fun. More info to come.
Coming up soon
Phoenix Wood firing with Janet Smith 16-17 August. More here
Teapot Workshop with Suzy Dunser: 30-31 August 1 to 5.30pm each day: details to come
Workshop with Fiona Tunnicliffe: 13-14 September 10am to 4pm: more info to come
Studio schedule
Here’s how it looks for next week, but as always, check the online calendar before you come in.
Friday 4 July
9.30am to 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
6 to 9pm: Intro to Pottery class
Saturday 5 July
10am to 1pm: Play With Clay
10am to 2pm: Raku Firing
1 to 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
Sunday 6 July
10am to 1pm: Wheel Throwing Taster class
Monday 7 July
9am to 4pm: closed for School Holiday Programme
Tuesday 8 July
9.30am to 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
Wednesday 9 July
9.30am to 12.30pm: Play With Clay
1 to 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
Thursday 10 July
9am to 4pm: closed for School Holiday Programme
Friday 11 July
9.30am to 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
That’s all folks. See you in the studio soon.
