Top L-R: Unknown, Kelly Keelan, Unknown.
Middle L-R: RC, Unknown, Pretty Little Bowls.
Bottom: Unknown, Unknown, Unknown.
Kia ora tatou
It’s feeling lively (and cosy with the heaters going!) in the studio at the moment — we've got yet more workshops lined up, and there are some truly special opportunities just around the corner. Whether you’re ready to stretch your skills or just keen to try something new, there’s plenty to jump into - come and play! 😉
A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers — Margaret Raine, Yasmin Davis, Kristen Almond, Wilhelmiina Drummond, Teresa Gibbison and Trudie & John MacIntosh— who are running the PWC & MOS sessions for you next week. Show them some love when you see them ❤️
A quick heads-up as well that the studio will be closed on Monday for King’s Birthday, so be sure to plan your clay time around that, and as always... Remember to check the studio availability calendar before you come in.
July School Holiday Workshops
Our July school holiday workshops are on the horizon!
These sessions are always packed with creativity, laughter, and a bit of clay-covered magic. Kids get to explore handbuilding, experiment with ideas, and walk away with something they’re proud of (and usually a big smile too).
They fill fast every time, so if you’ve got young makers at home, it’s worth jumping in early.
Making for Wood Firing
Saturday 8th August, 10am - 4pm
Curious about wood firing but not sure where to begin? This workshop focuses on making work specifically for the wood kiln — from forms that respond well to flame, to surfaces that truly come alive in that environment.
You’ll explore clay bodies, shaping techniques, and design approaches that set your pieces up for success in the kiln. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding before committing work to a firing.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make pieces that really belong in a wood kiln, this is your starting point.
Glazing for Wood Firing
Saturday 22nd August, 10am - 4pm
Take the next step with a dedicated glazing workshop designed specifically for wood-fired outcomes. Wood firing is wonderfully unpredictable, but the right glazing approach can make all the difference.
This session dives into slips, ash interaction, and glazing strategies that enhance — rather than compete with — the flame. You’ll learn how to work with the kiln atmosphere to get those rich, natural surfaces that wood firing is famous for.
Ideal for anyone preparing work for an upcoming firing or wanting to refine their results.
Learn from a Master: Aaron Scythe Workshop
Saturday 5th September AND Sunday 6th September, 10am - 4pm
We’re incredibly excited to welcome Aaron Scythe to the studio — an internationally respected ceramic artist with deep ties to Japanese pottery traditions and a bold contemporary voice.
This workshop is all about energetic making and expanding your approach. Expect a focus on expressive forms, spontaneous throwing, and thoughtful surface work inspired by Aaron’s years of experience working and exhibiting globally. You’ll come away not just with new techniques, but a fresh perspective on how you approach clay.
It’s a rare chance to work closely with a maker of this calibre — and one that’s not to be missed.
We expect this to be a popular workshop and we will be prioritising bookings for WSP financial members, and member-only bookings will go live at 6pm on the 11th June. Bookings for non-members will open from 6pm on the 25th June.
Lost Rings
A little mystery from the studio — three rings have been handed in to Libby recently. If you think one might be yours, we’d love to reunite you.
Please get in touch and describe your ring to claim it: manager@waikatopotters.co.nz | 07 838 1950.
Reminders
Introduction to Pottery Class
Fridays, 6pm - 9pm, starting 5th June and running for 4-weeks
This welcoming 4-week course is perfect for complete beginners or anyone keen to reconnect with creativity. Guided by experienced tutor Dave Kenny, you’ll explore both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques in a relaxed, supportive studio environment.
Find more info here.
Wood Firing Info Session
6 June 2026, 1pm - 3pm
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.
Find more info here.
Wheel Throwing Taster Class
Sundays, 10am - 1pm, starting 14th June and running for 4-weeks
Designed especially for total beginners, this hands-on class with experienced tutor and artist Sarah Steed will guide you through the fundamentals of wheel throwing. You’ll learn how to centre clay, shape forms on the wheel, refine your pieces through trimming, and finish them with glazing techniques.
Find more info here.
Surface Decoration Class
Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm, starting 25th June and running for 4-weeks
Discover new ways to bring life to your pots and sculptures! Yasmin has a wealth of information, tips and tricks to share with you. Take this opportunity to soak up some new decorating techniques to add to your kete.
Find more info here.
Making and Firing for Raku
Wednesdays, 6pm - 9pm, starting 24th June and running for 4-weeks
Ever wanted to learn the ancient art of Raku or just refresh your skills, then this is the short course for you. Led by David Austin, (who has Raku work in collections in Aotearoa, Australia, Japan, and France), we will explore Raku clay, glazing, firing and the smoke box.
Find more info here.
June Phoenix Wood Firing
Sunday 21st June (plus prep and clean up days)
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.
Find more info here.
Whenua & Harakeke Workshop
Saturday 27th June AND Saturday 18th June, 10am - 4pm
This workshop explores the creative relationship between clay and flax, combining the earthy strength of ceramics with the organic texture and movement of woven natural fibres. Students will experiment with sculptural and functional forms that blend traditional and contemporary practices, creating tactile works that celebrate material contrast, storytelling, and connection to the natural world
Find more info here.
Matariki Celebration
Saturday 11th July, 10am - 4pm
Nau mai e hoa mā! We're getting together to celebrate Matariki at Caroline Hamilton's property in Tuhikaramea, where we can share a kai, good company and convo, and a pit firing. This event is for everyone, members, non-members, friends, partners, children - everyone. We'd love for you to join us.
Find more info here.
