Top L-R: AW, Runu Simpson, Maggie-May.
Middle L-R: DA, Caroline Hamilton, Sue.
Bottom L-R: unknown, Vasti Venter, AW.
Kia ora e hoa mā
There’s a real buzz in the studios at the moment, and we’ve got a great mix of workshops, classes, and events lined up that we’re excited to share with you.
We’re so lucky to be part of such a vibrant, creative community—it really is what makes this place what it is. Have a scroll through what’s coming up and see what might spark your interest—we’d love to have you involved :)
Remember, we're not putting the studio schedule into the newsletter anymore, so please do check the online studio calendar before you head into the studio. And don't forget to thank these fabulous volunteers who will be running the PWC & MOS sessions this week: Caitlin Fowler, Tim Edwards, Wilhelmiina Drummond, Margaret Raine, Leisa Templer, Yasmin Davis, Kristen Almond and Lydia Farrell - rock stars! ❤️
Rotoorangi Pottery Extravaganza!
Our friends at the Waipa Creative Trail want to let you know about an incredible event happening in Waipā this May, filled with potters, pottery lovers, and all things clay...
Join us at The Rotoorangi Pottery Extravaganza, a two-day celebration of ceramics and a standout stop on The Waipā Creative Trail. Hosted at Janet Smith’s Woolshed Studio, this vibrant event brings together a lively group of makers transforming the space into a working pottery hub.
Across the weekend you’ll find wheel throwing, handbuilding, raku firing, demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to see artists in action and experience the magic of clay up close.
It’s all part of The Waipā Creative Trail, a weekend of open studios, galleries, and curated creative stops across the district.
Potters 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
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May
10am–3:30pm both days
We’d love to see you there.
Phoenix Wood Firing – June
Keen to give wood firing a go? This welcoming, hands-on firing is open to both beginners and experienced makers who’d like to be part of the process. From loading the kiln to taking part in the firing and unpacking, you’ll get a great introduction to how it all works as well as getting some truly beautiful pots.
Wood firing is a shared experience, and there’s always something to learn along the way—whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for more. Come along and join the ever-fabulous Janet Smith who will be the fire master for this event.
Get involved, and see what makes this process so special.
The firing and prep dates are:
Saturday 13th June: Prep day, organise wood, prep shelves and kiln
Saturday 20th June: Loading kiln
Sunday 21st June: Firing kiln
Sunday 28th June: Scraping shelves and unloading kiln
Wood Firing Information Session – Saturday 6 June
Are you curious about wood firing, or thinking about getting involved in our next firing? We’re hosting a relaxed and informative session to introduce members to the process and hopefully welcome a few more hands into our wood firing community.
Join us on Saturday 6 June, 1.00–3.00pm for a rundown of what’s involved—from the kinds of work that suit wood firing, to preparation, glazing approaches, and what to expect from the firing itself. Whether you’re completely new or already have some experience, this is a great chance to ask questions and get a clearer picture of how it all comes together.
Wood firing is a uniquely collaborative process, and we’re keen to grow our group of participants. Come along, meet others who are interested, and find out how you can be part of future firings.
Free to attend – but please register here so we know who is coming.
And... keep an eye out for two upcoming hands-on workshops on making and glazing for wood firing - more details will come once we have our cats herded :)
Term 2B Classes
Intro to Pottery
Fridays, 6.00–9.00pm (4 weeks), starting 5 June
Ready to get your hands dirty? Our Friday afternoon introductory class is perfect for beginners wanting to explore hand-building and the basics of working with clay. Learn essential techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment and start your clay journey with confidence.
Find more info and enrol here.
Wheel Throwing Taster
Sundays, 10am-1pm (4 weeks), starting 14 June
Take a spin on the wheel this term! Our Sunday wheel class is ideal for those keen to develop (or refine) their throwing skills. With guided tuition and plenty of practice time, you’ll build confidence and create functional forms to be proud of.
Find more info and enrol here.
Term Break mini-classes
Making and firing for Raku
Wednesdays, 6pm - 9pm, 4 weeks, starting 24th June
Experience the excitement of raku firing! This fast-paced, hands-on workshop introduces the dramatic and unpredictable nature of raku, with striking results and instant gratification. A must-try for adventurous makers.
Find more info and enrol here.
Surface Decoration with Yasmin Davis
Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm, 4 weeks, starting 25 June
Bring your pottery to life with surface design. This workshop explores a range of decorative techniques to add depth, texture, and personality to your work. Perfect for anyone wanting to expand their creative toolbox.
Find more info and enrol here.
Mānawatia a Matariki
Join us for one of the highlights of the WSP calendar as we gather to celebrate Matariki.
Matariki is a time to come together over kai, to remember our ancestors, and look forward to the future as a whanau and a community. Our relaxed, social event reflects this spirit—bringing members and friends together to connect, share food, and experience the magic of firing work in the open air.
As the firing unfolds, we’ll fire up the BBQ—so bring something to share and settle in for an afternoon of good food, connection, and creativity.
Whether you’re taking part in the firing or simply coming along to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s a beautiful way to mark the Māori New Year. Expect a welcoming vibe, a bit of smoke and fire, and a real sense of community—everything that makes this such a special annual event.
WSP is covering the cost of the magic dust, and we’ve been hoarding wood off-cuts and sawdust all year to fuel the fire—so this event is completely free to attend and take part in. We’d love you to register so we have an indication of how many people will be coming.
Find all the info and sign-up here.
And save the dates for: 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
Mā te wā
It's been another bumper edition and you made it all the way through - go you!
And don't forget to check the online studio calendar before you come in x
