Top, left to right: AW, WA, Elizabeth Nguyen.
Middle, left to right: Cath Knapton, Tim Edwards, Effie McLeay.
Bottom, left to right: Jen Rogers, unmarked, Margaret Raine
Hi friends!
Next week the classes we teach for the New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design - Ceramics studio modules will start. We are excited to be welcoming 12 diploma students into our studio this year and are looking forward to the additional creative energy this programme brings to our already vibrant clay community.
The classes for the diploma programme used to take place every second Friday, but this year they will take place every Friday during the Otago Polytechnic teaching terms. For the main part the classes will be taught on Friday mornings, through to 1pm, and then there will be a Members' Open Studio session in the afternoon. However, we will sometimes need to close the studio for a full day in order to facilitate their lessons.
Next Friday we will one of the full-day sessions, so the studio will be closed to members and visitors for the whole day. The key message for you is to check the online calendar before you head into the studio, to avoid a wasted trip :)
In other news, we have a Raku firing coming up and lots of other notices for you below...
Raku firing - Saturday 28 March
David Kenny and his son Wade are kindly running the first WSP raku firing of 2026 on Saturday the 28th of March, from 10am.
You don't need any prior experience to take part in these firings, they're a lot of fun, and you get same-day results! Unheard of in pottery 😂
To sign up and get some more info, visit the booking page here.
Phoenix wood firing - March
A limited number of spaces are available to share the use of the kiln on this upcoming wood firing, with Suzy Dunser as your Firemaster.
** Please note, this will be a low-soda firing, so you have the potential to use more glazes on your pot.
The wood will need to be collected, prep'd and stacked a month earlier (end of Feb) to ensure it is dry on the day. The firing coordinator will be in touch with participants to organise a date for this.
The other dates to be available for prep, firing and unloading are:
Saturday 14th March: Prep day: organise wood, prep shelves and kiln
Saturday 21st March: packing kiln
Sunday 22nd: firing kiln
Saturday 28th March: grinding shelves and unloading kiln
If you're thinking about signing-up, now is the time! Find more info and enrol here.
Term 1B classes
Our second round of shorter classes are now open for enrolments.
Friday Introduction to Pottery with Dave Austin
Fridays, 6pm - 9pm for 4 weeks, starting 13 March 2026
* Please note there will not be a class on the 3rd of April due to the Easter holiday. The last class will be on the 10th of April *
Find more information and enrol here.
Sunday Wheel Throwing Taster Class with Sarah Steed
Sundays 10am - 1pm for 4 weeks, starting 15 March 2026
*Please note there will not be a class on the 5th of April, due to the Easter holiday. The last class will be on the 12th of April
Find more information and enrol here.
Road closure on Seddon Rd
We've received notice from HCC that road works will be carried out soon on the section of Seddon Road where the entry to our carpark is.
This will take place one night during the week commencing 2nd March, and the road will be closed to through traffic from 6pm until 6am. The weather will dictate which night they will be able to carry out the works during that week, so we can't be certain which date the road will be closed.
We have requested that carpark access be given to our members, students and Play with Clay visitors during the works, but we have not heard yet whether that will be possible. So, please do plan ahead, just in case you need to park on side streets.
The pic above shows the section of Seddon Rd that will be closed.
Studio fees increasing
From the 1st of April 2026, we will be increasing our studio use fees, as we try to keep up with corresponding increases in our operating costs. This is in addition to the firing fees increase previously advised, which will also come into effect from the 1st of April.
We are committed to providing a great facility and services for our members and visitors, and have kept the increases to a minimum. The new rates will be:
Adult non-member: $15 ($1 more)
Adult member: $10 (no change)
Adult member concession cards $45 for 5 sessions ($1 more per session)
Child non-member: $10 (no change)
Child member: $6 (no change)
Child member concession cards $30 (no change)
We hope you'll understand that the increase is necessary in order to keep our operating costs from overtaking our income, and keep the doors of this fabulous club open to you all.
Thanks in advance for your continued support.
Engobes and Slips
A Rahu Road Pottery workshop
Date: 14 March, 9am to 4pm
Bookings Open: 21 February 9am
This workshop explores how to create a range of surface effects by using slips or engobes. We will look at vitreous formulations, crackle slips, flashing slips, sigillatas and effect slips that offer a new world of surface decoration. We will be making slips up and applying them to your favourite clay to see the opportunities that these surfaces can bring to your work. Please bring your own clay and basic handbuilding tools.
Maximum 6 students, $230 (includes refreshments and lunch)
For more information and to book a spot in the workshop (once the bookings open), visit the Rahu Rd Pottery website.
Studio Schedule
Here's how things are looking so far, but remember to check the online calendar for any changes before you head in.
Friday 20 February
9.30am - 4pm: Members' Open Studio
6pm - 9pm: Intro to Pottery Class
Saturday 21 February
10am – 1pm: Play With Clay - thanks Teresa! x
1 - 4pm: Members' Open Studio - thanks Alexis! x
Sunday 22 February
10am - 1pm: Wheel Throwing Class
Monday 23 February
9.30am – 12.30pm: Wheel Throwing Class
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
6pm - 9pm: Hand Building Class
Tuesday 24 February
9.30am – 12.30pm: Wheel Throwing Class
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
6pm - 9pm: Play with Clay - thanks Margaret! xx
Wednesday 25 February
9.30am – 12.30pm: Play with Clay - thanks Yasmin, Kristen and Dave! xxx
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
4pm - 5.30pm: Kids' Play with Clay
6pm - 9pm: Wheel Throwing Class
Thursday 26 February
9.30am – 12.30pm: Sculpture Class
1pm - 4pm: Members' Open Studio
6pm - 9pm: Wheel Throwing Class
Friday 27 February
9.30am - 4pm: CLOSED for Diploma
6pm - 9pm: Intro to Pottery Class
Saturday 28 February
10am – 1pm: Play With Clay - thanks Teresa! x
1pm – 4pm: TBC Members’ Open Studio (pending a volunteer to run the session)
Sunday 29 February
10am - 1pm: Wheel Throwing Class
