Top L-R: Janine Tate, LS, Caroline Hamilton.
Middle L-R: unknown, unknown, Effie McLeay.
Bottom L-R: Jen Rogers, LH, Cath Knapton.
Kia ora e te whānau,
We hope you’ve all stayed cosy through this sudden temperature drop! We've had the heaters going here for the first time this last couple of weeks, and the studio has been buzzing with activity.
This coming week we're ramping up even further with our regular classes starting again. This does mean that there will be a few less Members’ Open Studio sessions though, so be sure to check the online calendar before you head in.
In this week's news we are thrilled to announce our judge for this year's Annual Members' Exhibition — read on...
Annual Exhibition Judge Announcement –
Aaron Scythe
We’re beyond excited to announce that Aaron Scythe will be the judge for our 2026 Members' Exhibition!
Aaron is an internationally respected ceramic artist who spent 16 years living and working in Japan, where he held over 60 solo exhibitions and participated in many group shows. During this time, he also ran workshops and appeared on national television, and his work has featured in numerous pottery publications.
Aaron’s ceramics are held in private collections throughout New Zealand, Japan, Europe, and the United States. His work reflects a deep engagement with Japanese ceramic traditions alongside a contemporary practice shaped by cultural exchange and lived experience.
We’re delighted to have Aaron bringing his knowledge and eye to this year’s exhibition.
To coincide with the Annual Exhibition, Aaron will also be leading a 2‑day intermediate wheel‑throwing workshop over the weekend of 5 – 6 September.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for potters to learn directly from Aaron, in a make-together workshop with a focus on spontaneous, fast making. Over the two days, you will explore the making of Oribe style pots with Japanese shapes, including sake cups, sake bottles, vases, and mugs.
We'll share more details closer to the date — but consider this your heads-up to save the dates!
Term 2 classes
We've still got a couple of spaces left in these classes, take a look and sign-up for anything that takes your fancy...
Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Mondays, 9.30am – 12.30pm, for 8-weeks, starting 4th May
More info here
Beginner Wheel Throwing
Tuesdays, 9.30am – 12.30pm, for 8-weeks, starting 28th April
More info here
Introduction to Pottery
Fridays, 6pm – 9pm, for 4-weeks, starting 8th May
More info here
Wheel Throwing Taster
Sundays, 10am – 1pm, for 4-weeks, starting 10th May
More info here
Kids’ Play with Clay Starts Next Week
Kids’ Play with Clay sessions are back from next week, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our young potters back into the studio.
These weekly sessions run during WSP teaching terms on Wednesdays from 4.00–5.30pm, and are designed especially for children to explore clay in a relaxed, creative environment. Tutors are on hand each session to help guide projects and support ideas.
Sessions are $15 per participant, which includes clay, glazes, and firing. There’s no need to sign up for a full term — families can attend one session or as many as they like. Sessions are generally aimed at children aged 7–14, though children as young as 5 are welcome if a parent or caregiver stays with them, and parents are welcome to join in too.
Places are limited, so online booking is recommended to secure a spot.
Reminders
Rick Rudd – Artist’s Talk
A reminder that Rick Rudd’s Artist’s Talk will be taking place on Friday 1st May, 6pm onwards. Rick will share insights into his practice, creative process, and current work. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from a legendary ceramic artist. Entry by donation (going to the Quartz Museum), and bring a kai to share. Find more info and register your interest here.
AGM – Tuesday 12 May, 6.00pm
Please put this date in your diary. A quorum is required, and your attendance is important.
Annual Exhibition – Save the Dates
It’s time to start planning. Please mark these important dates in your calendar for our Annual Exhibition:
1 July – Entries open
14 August – Entries close
24–28 August – Physical entries delivered to WSP studios
1–3 September – Exhibition installation at Artspost
Friday 4 September, 5.30pm – Opening Preview Evening and Awards Ceremony
4–26 September – Exhibition open to the public
More details about entry conditions and awards categories will be shared closer to opening.
Studio Schedule
Here's what happening - but remember to check the online calendar before you come in, just incase anything changes.
Friday 24 April
9.30am - 4pm: Members' Open Studio
Saturday 25 April
10am – 1pm: Play With Clay - thanks Tim! x
1pm – 4pm: STUDIO CLOSED - No Members' Open Studio today
Sunday 26 April
CLOSED
Monday 27 April
CLOSED for ANZAC Holiday
Tuesday 28 April
9.30am – 12.30pm: Wheel Throwing Class
1pm - 4pm: Members' Open Studio
6pm - 9pm: Play with Clay - thanks Margaret! x
Wednesday 29 April
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 30 April
9.30am – 12.30pm: Sculpture Class
1pm - 4pm: Members' Open Studio
6pm - 9pm: Wheel Throwing & Hand Building Class
Friday 1 May
9.30am - 4pm: CLOSED for Diploma
6pm onwards: Artists' Talk and Shared Kai with Rick Rudd
Saturday 2 May
CLOSED for Rick Rudd Workshop
Sunday 3 May
CLOSED for Rick Rudd Workshop
