Kia ora clay whānau 😊
We had a blast at the Throwdown event last Saturday, thanks to everyone who joined in – it’s always great to hang out in such a fun way. Find out who won all the medals below!
In other news this week, we’ve got the school holiday workshops online for enrolments, as well as the term 4 classes up online, and an exciting new wheel-to-mold workshop. We’re also after a new cleaner, and we have exciting Waiclay announcements too! Read about all these goings-on below.
The Mighty Waikato Pottery Throwdown Results
This year’s event was judged by dream-team Ginny Lane and Caroline Hamilton, both donning their casual, everyday tiaras and conflabbing to choose winners and hand out the coveted throwdown medals.
Ginny also led a mystery challenge with a fantastic, in-depth and informative porcelain throwing demo, allowing new wheel throwers and experienced throwers alike to take part – so much was learnt and we’ll definitely we running a similar event as part of the throwdown next year!
Our winners of this year’s events were:
Transformation Challenge
1st – Janine Tate
2nd – Alison Stearn
3rd – Kaitlyn Kobowski
Clay Bouquet
1st Kaitlyn Kobowski
2nd – Janine Tate
Scariest Thing
1st - Ashley Smith
2nd – Bronwyn Wright
3rd – David Gillespie
Tiniest Teapot
1st – Runu Simpson
2nd equal – Bronwyn Wright and Grace Taylor
3rd – Libby Cameron
Tile Decorating
1st – Ashley Smith
Tallest Structure
1st – Alison Stearn
2nd – Susan van Wyk
3rd – Janine Tate
Ginny’s Mystery Wheel Challenge – Beginners
1st – Sue McConnochie
2nd – Susan van Wyk
3rd – Kaitlyn Kobowski
Ginny’s Mystery Wheel Challenge – Intermediate
1st – David Clarke
2nd – Suzy Dunser
3rd – Janet Smith
Blindfolded Throwing
1st – David Kenny
2nd – David Clarke
3rd – Andrew Norgate
Blindfolded Handbuilding
1st – Alison Stearn
2nd – Caroline Hamilton
3rd – Ashley Smith
Two-person Wheel Throw
1st – Caroline Hamilton and Libby Cameron
2nd – Kaitlyn Kobowski and David
3rd – Andrew Norgate and Suzy Dunser
Thanks again for everyone who came along, and to all those who helped make it happen! Thanks to Larissa for making the medals again this year, to Josephine & Libby for organising the competitions and entries, and to our committee members Tess, Suzy, Bronwyn and Caroline for judging, timing and marshalling on the day. And of course, to Team Awesome Judging – Ginny and Caroline!
September-October School Holiday Workshops
We’re running these fun and creative workshops for kids again this school holidays. They’re always a great time, and last term 5 out of the 6 workshops sold out, so get in quick to reserve a spot for your young ones. Here’s what’s on offer this term:
Full Day workshops
Tuesday 23rd September, 9am - 3pm Enrol here
OR
Tuesday 30th September, 9am - 3pm Enrol here
In this full-day programme, the kids rotate around four different activity stations, learning a new technique and creating something different at each of them. The activities are:
Pinch Pot Creature
Make-a-Mug
Adventures on the Wheel
Coiled Pencil Cup
2-hour Make-a-Mug workshops
Thursday 25th September, 10am - 12noon Enrol here
OR
Thursday 2nd October, 10am - 12noon Enrol here
In this session children will use the slab building method to build their own mug, and then they can decorate it in any way they please.
2-hour Adventures on the Wheel workshops
Thursday 25th September, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Enrol here
OR
Thursday 2nd October, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Enrol here
Children love trying the wheel and in this session, they will get to have a go at throwing their own pots and then decorating them.
Awesome new Workshop Opportunity!
Wheel to Mold with Liz Heller
A one and a half day Pottery & Slip Casting Workshop
Saturday 1st November 10am to 4.30pm, and Sunday 2nd November 1.30 to 4.30pm
Discover the magic of transforming wheel-thrown forms into reusable molds in this hands-on two-day ceramic workshop creating functional vessels that combine the aesthetics of hand-made pottery with slip-cast precision.
Day 1 – From Clay to Mold
Start at the potter’s wheel, where you'll throw simple, solid forms under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Then, learn how to create a one-part plaster slip-casting mold directly from your freshly thrown piece — capturing your original shape in a lasting, consistent form.
Day 2 – Casting & Reproduction
Return to your custom mold and dive into the art of slip casting. You’ll learn how to prepare slip, pour and time your casts, and safely demold your pieces. Leave with multiple versions of your original form and a deeper understanding of ceramic reproduction techniques.
Liz Heller is an Associate Art Professor at Colorado Mountain College in Aspen, CO, US. Liz learned how to slip cast while getting her MFA in Sculpture then turned it into a profession once she learned how to 3d print her own designs while an Artist in Residence at The Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado, in 2014. Since then, Liz has used various digital fabrication techniques to design her originals and has recently developed this technique for her beginning mold making students, which she now uses in her own studio practice. This will be Liz’s first-time visiting New Zealand and is so excited to learn about the country, the culture, the pottery and the artists. Her website is www.modcrmx.com.
Term 4 Classes are online now!
Here’s what we have for our final teaching term for 2025– get into it!
Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Mondays, 9.30am – 12.30pm, for 8-weeks, starting 6th October
More info here
Hand Building
Mondays, 6pm – 9pm, for 8-weeks, starting 6th October
More info here
Beginner Wheel Throwing
Tuesdays, 9.30am – 12.30pm, for 8-weeks, starting 7th October
More info here
Wheel Throwing for All
Wednesdays, 6pm-9pm, for 8-weeks, starting 8th October
More info here
Sculpture Skills
Thursdays, 9.30am – 12.30pm, for 8-weeks, starting 9th October
More info here
Wheel Throwing for All
Thursdays, 6pm – 9pm, for 8-weeks, starting 9th October
More info here
Introduction to Pottery
Fridays, 6pm – 9pm, for 4-weeks, starting 10th October
More info here
Wheel Throwing Taster
Sundays, 10am – 1pm, for 4-weeks, starting 12th October
More info here
Job opportunity
Our wonderful cleaner is leaving us for other shores.
We’re looking for someone to carry out regular weekly cleaning of the premises on Sunday afternoons/evenings.
Duties include wet wiping and cleaning of chairs, tabletops and sink areas. Wet-vac floors in studio, entrance way, kiln room and kitchen and toilet area.
Starting Sunday 7 September.
If you’re interested or would like to find out more, please contact Josephine on 07 838 1950 or manager@waikatopotters.co.nz.
Waiclay – exhibition entries
Since 2001, the Waiclay National Ceramic Award has partnered with Waikato Museum, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, to celebrate Aotearoa’s finest ceramic art. Held biennially, each exhibition highlights innovation, craftsmanship, and the dynamic expression of New Zealand clay artists. A guest judge from the international ceramics community ensures each event brings fresh perspectives. Waiclay fosters artistic growth, inspires visitors, and champions New Zealand’s evolving ceramic narrative.
Waiclay are thrilled to announce that one of South Africa’s foremost ceramic artists Andile Dyalvane will serve as selector/ judge for the 2025 Waiclay National Ceramic Award. Renowned for his spiritually infused, large-scale works honouring Xhosa traditions, Dyalvane brings profound cultural insight and international acclaim to this year’s exhibition.
They are now calling for entries for the always-excellent bi-annual WaiClay exhibition! Find more information and enter here.
Waiclay – workshop and social evening
A Rare Opportunity for Ceramic Artists!
We’re thrilled to announce that Andile Dyalvane, world-renowned South African ceramic artist and guest selector/judge for the 2025 Waiclay National Ceramic Award, will lead an exclusive 2-day handbuilding Vessel Making Workshop in conjunction with Waiclay 2025.
About Andile Dyalvane
Celebrated globally for his powerful sculptural vessels, Andile’s work draws deeply on his Xhosa heritage, combining traditional African motifs with contemporary design. His pieces are exhibited in major galleries and collections worldwide, making this a unique chance to learn from a true master of clay.
Dates: 13 &14 December
Location: Janet Smith Pottery, Roto-o-Rangi, Cambridge
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: $350 - includes clay, lunch, tea and coffee and $50 non-refundable cancellation fee. Full payment required by 1 November
Camping options available $25 powered site - limited spaces
An additional Saturday evening meal, artist talk and performance by Andile at $40 per person will be being held as well. Come to both the workshop and social evening, or to either.
Spaces are limited - don’t miss out!
Register now for workshop and/or evening meal by emailing Fiona Tunnicliffe at fionatunnicliffepottery@gmail.com. Full details when you register.
Studio Schedule
Here’s how things are looking for the coming week, but as always, check the online calendar before you come in 😊
Friday 29th August
10am – 12noon: CLOSED for Diploma
6pm – 9pm: Intro to Pottery Class
Saturday 30th August
10am – 1pm: Play with Clay – thanks Caitlin & Time! Xx
10am – 2pm: Raku Firing
1.30pm – 5.30pm: Teapot Workshop with Suzy Dunser
Sunday 31st August
10am – 1pm: Wheel Throwing Class
1.30pm – 5.30pm: Teapot Workshop with Suzy Dunser
Monday 1st September
9.30am –4pm: Wheel Throwing Class
1pm – 3.30pm: CLOSED for Private Class
6pm – 9pm: Hand Building Class
Tuesday 2nd September
9.30am – 12.30pm: Wheel Throwing Class
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
6pm – 9pm: Play with Clay – thanks Margaret and Patsy! xx
Wednesday 3rd September
9.30am – 12.30pm: Play with Clay - thanks Yasmin, Kristen and Sade! xx
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
4pm – 5.30pm: Kids’ Play with Clay
6pm – 9pm: Wheel Throwing Class
Thursday 4th September
9.30am – 12.30pm: Sculpture Class
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
6pm – 9pm: Wheel Throwing Class
Friday 5th September
9.30am – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
6pm – 9pm: Intro to Pottery Class
Saturday 6th September
10am – 1pm: Play with Clay – thanks Tim! xx
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio – thanks Wilhelmiina! xx
Sunday 7th September
10am – 1pm: Wheel Throwing Class
