L-R: Unmarked, L, unmarked.
Hi friends!
It’s been a crisp start out there this week — those frosty mornings are definitely here, but the heaters are on and the studio’s warm and ready.
A quick heads-up that enrolments for the Aaron Scythe workshop open this evening, with more details in the article below — it’s a great opportunity and likely to fill quickly.
And a slightly less glamorous note from us: apologies for the smell out the back. We’re dealing with what appears to be a very elusive dead rat and are onto it as best we can — thanks for your patience in the meantime.
Thanks to our gorgeous volunteers running the PWC and MOS sessions this week: Shelley Martin, Leisa Templer, Margaret Raine, Claire Brazell, Yasmin Davis, Kristen Almond, Teresa Gibbison xxx
Read on to find out what else is happening in the best pottery club in the world! 😁
And... don't forget to check the online calendar before you head in.
Aaron Scythe Workshop — Enrolments Open Tonight
We’re excited to welcome Aaron Scythe for this workshop, offering a rare opportunity to learn from one of Aotearoa’s leading contemporary ceramic artists.
Member enrolments open at 6pm this evening (11 June).
Bookings will be available exclusively to WSP financial members during this initial release. Non-member bookings will open from 6pm on 25 June. We expect strong interest in this workshop, so we encourage members to secure their place early.
This intensive two-day workshop is a make‑together, wheel-focused experience, centred on fast, intuitive throwing and developing form through repetition and momentum. Working alongside Aaron, you’ll explore Japanese/Oribe-inspired forms including cups, pouring vessels, vases, and larger coil-assisted pieces.
The workshop combines demonstration with continuous making, with guidance and feedback as you work. The emphasis is firmly on throwing, form, and process — with minimal focus on decoration.
Who it’s for
Best suited to potters with intermediate wheel skills who want to loosen up, increase output, and push their making in a focused, high-energy environment.
What’s included
Two full days of tuition with Aaron Scythe
3 bags of clay provided
Use of studio equipment and facilities
Please note: firing is not included
Participants are encouraged to bring along a shared kai for lunch — a great chance to connect and chat with Aaron and others in the workshop.
About Aaron Scythe
Aaron Scythe is an internationally recognised ceramic artist with over 30 years of experience. He spent 16 years working and exhibiting in Japan, deeply influenced by Mino and Oribe traditions, and has since exhibited widely across New Zealand and internationally. His work is held in private collections around the world, and he is known for both his distinctive forms and dynamic, hands-on teaching style.
Whenua and Harakeke — Earth and Flax
A Matariki event with Dave Austin and Sema Morris
A two-day workshop taking place on:
Saturday 27th June, 10am - 4pm
AND
Saturday 18th July 2026, 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. Specifically, how we can join flax to the clay work.
This workshop is planned so you can take part in the WSP Matariki Pit Firing event on Saturday the 11th of July, if you want to use this method to fire your pots. Normal electric firing is still available if you prefer.
All the other clay experiences on offer...
Wheel Throwing Taster Class - Only one place left *
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 - Only one place left *
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.
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 hand building, 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.
