Top L-R: Evita Di Maio, Florence, Michael Clapham.
Middle L-R: MAC, Helen Wilson, Richard.
Bottom L-R: RB, OGP, Unknown.
Kia ora lovelies!
This week, we're excited to announce the award categories for your 2026 Members' Exhibition, and to introduce you to your Committee Members for the current financial year. And, we've got some reminders about all the latest learning experiences we have on offer for you.
The wonderful volunteers running your Play with Clay and Members' Open Studio sessions this week are: Tim Edwards, Margaret Raine, Sue McConnochie, Kristen Almond, Yasmin Davis, Shelley Martin and Leisa Templer - show them aaallllll the love when you see them.
And, as always, don't forget to check the online calendar for studio availability before you head in.
Meet Your Committee
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the AGM on 12 May. We’re delighted to introduce this year’s committee—an incredible group of volunteers generously giving their time, energy, and experience to support the Society.
Please join us in thanking our new and returning members (pictured from left to right): Caroline Hamilton (President), Tess May (Deputy President), Sarah Lee (Treasurer), Suzy Dunser (Secretary), Lydia Farrell, Alison S (not pictured), Claire Brazell, and Victoria Kerry.
We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to our retiring committee members—Bronwyn Wright, Mark Tamura, and Josef Thomson-Smith—for their dedication and contribution over their time on the committee. Your work has made a lasting difference.
As always, our committee are volunteers, and we’re grateful for everything they do to help keep the Society thriving.
Shared Earth: The 2026 Annual Members’ Exhibition
It’s that time again — our Annual Members’ Exhibition returns for 2026!
This exhibition is one of the highlights of the WSP calendar, and most importantly, it’s for all members. Whether you’ve just started your first class, spend your weeks in Open Studio, or have been working with clay for years, this exhibition is a space to share what you’ve been making.
The title Shared Earth reflects what makes this exhibition special — a community of makers connected through clay. We all start from the same material, but what comes from it is wonderfully diverse.
There is no “right” stage to enter — just your current one. We want to celebrate the full breadth of our community: different styles, approaches, skill levels, and creative journeys. If you’re making work, you belong in this exhibition.
So start thinking about what you might submit — a piece you’re proud of, something experimental, or even your very first finished work. This is your chance to be part of a collective showcase of clay from across our community.
Awards for 2026
We’re proud to offer a fantastic range of awards again this year, recognising excellence across many aspects of clay practice. A huge thank you to our generous sponsors for making these possible.
WSP Premier Award
$1,000 cash – Sponsored by Anonymous Donor
Ngā Ringa Uku – Māori Clay Practitioner Award
$600 voucher – Sponsored by Decopot
Open to those who whakapapa Māori (of Māori descent)
Emerging Artist Award
$500 voucher – Sponsored by CCG
Open to those with less than 3 years’ clay experience
Merit Awards (x3)
$500 vouchers – Sponsored by Bot Pots
Functional Award
$500 voucher – Sponsored by Decopot
For work that has a clear purpose
Non-functional Award
$500 voucher – Sponsored by Decopot
For sculptural or conceptual work
Best Use of Underglaze
$250 voucher – Sponsored by Kiwi Underglaze
For pieces using underglaze
The On the Hook Award (previously the tile award)
$150 cash – Sponsored by Yasmin & Mark Davis
For any wall-based work—if it’s on the hook, it’s in
Mug Award
$100 cash – Sponsored by Jenni Taris & Janet Smith
Functional mug with a handle
Young Artist Award
$100 firing voucher – Sponsored by WSP
For artists under 16 years old on 4 September
WSP President’s Award
8-week class voucher (value $220) – Sponsored by WSP
For members whose main making space is Play with Clay or Open Studio sessions
People’s Choice Award
$150 cash – Sponsored by Farmer Jones Organics
Voted by visitors during the exhibition and announced after the exhibition closes
Key Dates - get these in your calendar now:
1 July – Entries open
14 August – Entries close
24–28 August – Physical works delivered to WSP studios
1–3 September – Exhibition installation at Artspost
Friday 4 September, 5.30pm – Opening Preview Evening and Awards Ceremony at Artspost
4–26 September – Exhibition open to the public
This exhibition is about participation, celebration, and community just as much as it is about awards. Shared Earth invites everyone to take part — bring your work, share your progress, and be part of what makes WSP such a vibrant place to make.
We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on. Happy making!
Abridged Terms & Conditions
Open to all current WSP members
Maximum of four entries per artist (including tile and/or mug; one entry may be a set)
All work must be original, created within the last 12 months, and not previously exhibited at ArtsPost
All work must be for sale, with prices including GST
Gallery commission is 40%
Work must be delivered, labelled, and securely packaged as per entry requirements
Selection and awards are at the sole discretion of the selectors/judge
Full Terms & Conditions will be available with entry forms from 1 July.
Studio Code of Conduct update
Just a quick heads-up that we’ve updated our Studio Code of Conduct. It covers all studio users (as outlined in the policy), so it’s a good idea to have a read and make sure you’re up to date.
You can find the latest version here: https://www.waikatopotters.co.nz/governance/
Thanks for helping keep the studio a respectful and welcoming space for all.
Reminders
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.
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.
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.
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.
July School Holiday Workshops
7th, 14th and 17th July
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).
Explore the workshops 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.
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.
Details here and enrolments here.
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.
Learn more and enrol here.
Happening out and about...
