Top L-R: Patsy Hall, Cath Knapton, Shona Walters.
Middle L-R: unknown, unknown, Ann Jensen.
Bottom L-R: Casey Lin, unknown, AW.
Hi friends :)
Apologies for the absence of a newsletter last week — it was one of those weeks, busy in all the best ways!
A huge highlight was a wonderful weekend with Rick Rudd, read more below about what a generous and inspiring experience that was.
A reminder that our AGM is this coming Tuesday (details below), and that all work made during the School Holiday Workshops is now ready for collection.
As always, there’s plenty happening, so read on!
Thank you Rick Rudd – what a weekend
We were incredibly lucky to have Rick Rudd with us last weekend, and it really was a great few days.
Across the diploma workshop, Artist’s Talk, shared kai, and a two‑day sculptural teapot workshop, Rick brought a wealth of knowledge along with a generous, open approach that made everything feel easy and welcoming. Many of the methods we explored were surprising and immediately useful — great new additions to our kete.
Rick’s great sense of humour set the tone throughout, keeping things light while still packed with insight. His genuine passion for ceramics really shone during the Artist’s Talk, especially in the way he spoke about the pots in the Quartz Museum collection — thoughtful, curious, and full of respect for process and making.
The conversations were rich, the workshops practical and engaging, and the overall feeling was one of shared learning and enjoyment. Spending time together over kai added to that sense of connection and made the whole experience feel extra special.
Ngā mihi nui, Rick — we hope to welcome you back again.
AGM – Tuesday 12th May, 6pm
Our Annual General Meeting is happening next week. This is an important chance to reflect on the year that’s been, look ahead, and make sure we meet quorum requirements.
All members are encouraged to attend — whether you’re deeply involved or quietly enjoying studio time, your presence matters.
And we'll share a kai after the meeting to wrap up another successful year at the Society - bring a plate if you have the capacity.
Studio mahi thanks
A heartfelt thanks to those who’ve rolled up their sleeves this week:
Clay trap plumbing repaired — John MacIntosh and Stephen Leyburn‑Williams
Clear out of old and broken guff and a dump run — Dave Austin (mahi) and Margaret Raine (trailer)
Cubby‑hole shelving unit collected from Morrinsville — Dave Austin and Margaret Raine (more news to come in a couple of weeks about what we'll be using this for - pretty sure you're going to love it!!)
These behind‑the‑scenes jobs make a huge difference to how smoothly the studio runs, and your help is very much appreciated.
Save the dates
A few events to keep on your radar...
Second Annual Matariki Pit Firing
We're doing it again - a pit firing and kai at Caroline Hamilton's to celebrate Matariki. This time we're also organising a workshop to tie in with this event:
Whenua and Flax
Make a pot to be fired in the pit, with the intention of adding harakeke adornment to it after it's fired.
We'll have more information to come once we nail down a few details, but these are the dates to save:
Saturday 27th June, 10am - 4pm: Whenua and Flax workshop part one, making your pot for the pit
Saturday 11th July, 10am onwards: Pit firing and shared kai
Sunday 12th July, 2pm onwards: Dig out the pit pots
Saturday 18th July, 10am - 4pm: Whenua and Flax workshop part two, adding harakeke to your pot
Join us for some of this, or all of it - we'd love to see you!
Annual Exhibition
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.
Open Day
Our Big Day of Clay will be happening on Saturday 7 November this year.
We’ve chosen this timing so we can fit in extra School Holiday Workshops earlier in the year, and also trial a Member’s Market as part of Open Day — with the hope that the pre‑Christmas crowds will be out and about looking for pottery pressies.
Pop it in your diary now. We’ll be calling for volunteers closer to the time to help make the day as super-awesome as always. And if you’re keen to take part in the Member’s Market, now’s a good time to get making those gorgeous pieces.
More details soon — for now, save the date.
Ice cream containers wanted
We’re putting out a call for ice cream containers please. These are endlessly useful around the studio and our stocks have dwindled.
If you have any spare at home, please bring them in and leave them with Libby, Dave or Bronwyn.
Waipā Arts Trail – Rotoorangi Pottery Extravaganza
23 & 24 May, 10am – 3.30pm
37 Kairangi Road, Rotoorangi
Hosted at Janet Smith’s Woolshed Studio the Rotoorangi Pottery Extravaganza brings together a vibrant group of makers. Located at Janet Smith’s Woolshed studio, the experienced creatives will create a pottery hub with functional tableware to sculptural ceramics. This event celebrates the depth, creativity, and diversity of clay work in Aotearoa.
The Rotoorangi Pottery Extravaganza is a curated pottery event bringing makers together to exhibit work, demonstrate some of their processes and generally celebrate ceramics. Many of the potters taking part are members and friends of WSP, so it’s a lovely chance to support familiar faces, see a wide range of work in one place, and celebrate the strength and diversity of our local ceramics community. Whether you’re browsing, chatting, or watching clay come to life, it promises to be a warm and engaging stop on the Waipā Arts Trail.
Potters whose work you can see at this stop include:
Ginny Lane and Richard Jackson, Duncan Shearer, Suzy Dunser, Janet Smith, Alex Wilkinson, Fiona Tunicliffe, Elena Renker, Sarah Ziessan, Kimba Allison, Riccardo Scott, Driving Creek Pottery, Victoria Kerry, Yasmin Davis, Suzanne Sturrock, Trish Seddon, Therese May, Stephen Williams, Julie Burwell.
The Waipā Creative Trail is a free, two‑day event celebrating creativity across the district, with open studios and galleries throughout.
Portage Ceramic Awards – entries open
Entries are now open for the 2026 Portage Ceramic Awards, Aotearoa’s premier national ceramics award.
17 April : Entries open
8 June: Entries close
4 August : Finalists contacted
4 September: Finalists works due at Te Uru
5 October: Finalists publicly announced
3 December: Opening/Awards night
5 December: Judges floor talk
Open to ceramic practitioners working in Aotearoa, the awards welcome a wide range of contemporary practices and approaches.
Pottery kick wheel for sale
Michael McCormick is selling this pottery wheel for $250. If you’re interested, please contact Michael on 022 565 1416
Happening tomorrow...
Studio Schedule (sort of)
We won't be putting the studio schedule in the newsletter anymore, instead, please make sure to check the online calendar for the most up-to-date info.
