Top L-R: MA, L, Unknown mark.
Bottom L-R: Evita Di Maio, NG2HW, CS.
Kia ora e hoa mā
A few exciting opportunities are coming up, and now's the time to get your name on the list. Enrolments for our Surface Decoration class, Making & Firing for Raku class, and the Whenua & Harakeke Workshop are closing soon, so if you've been meaning to sign up, don't leave it too long. You'll find all the details below.
A huge thank you to everyone who jumped on the Aaron Scythe Workshop bookings — all places were snapped up in just two hours! If you missed out, it's still worth joining the waitlist. Plans change, and places may become available between now and September.
The stunning volunteers running your upcoming PWC and Open Studio sessions are Teresa Gibbison, Margaret Raine, Patsy Hall, Yasmin Davis and Kristen Almond - big hugs! Please note... we’re still looking for a volunteer for Saturday afternoon’s Members’ Open Studio session (1–4pm). If no one is available, the studio will remain closed during that time.
Read on for workshop information, studio updates, and all the latest news from this bonza little club 🤙
And remember to check the online studio calendar before you head in.
Four Week Making and Firing for Raku Class
Wednesdays, 6pm - 9pm, starting 24th June and running for 4-weeks
** Only one place left.
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.
Four Week 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.
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.
Thanks to these hard workers!
You may have noticed our beloved slab roller is in bits 😭
Unfortunately we haven't been able to source replacement parts for it, so Dave Kenny has been visiting bike shops and hardware stores to get a new chain made and some spare parts to get it working again. Thanks David! We don't know where we'd be without you 🤗
We also have a lovely new set of shelves in the Diploma area 🙌
Dave Austin put the new shelves together, and John & Trudie MacIntosh very kindly gave up a Sunday afternoon to come and rip out the old sink unit that was in that corner and safely fix the new shelves to the wall. We now have a much more functional area for the Diploma students to use. Thank you lovelies! ❤️
Term 3 Class Enrolments Open Tomorrow
Thinking about taking a class next term? Term 3 regular class enrolments open tomorrow, Friday 19 June.
Whether you're keen to get your hands back in clay, build on existing skills, or try something completely new, now's the time to secure your spot. Classes begin in the week starting 20 July, and many of our regular classes fill quickly once enrolments open.
If you've had your eye on a particular class, we recommend getting in early to avoid missing out.
We can't wait to welcome both returning and new students back to the studio for another term of making, learning, and creating together.
You will find all the class listings here from mid-morning tomorrow.
Dave Austin has done a great job of tizzying up the rental cubbies with a lick of paint and lifting them up off the floor, and now they're ready for you to rent!
If you're keen to get a little cubby to store your clay and other bits and pieces in, get in touch with Libby via email, or see Dave, Bronwyn or Libby in the studio.
All this is happening too...
July School Holiday Workshops
7th, 14th and 17th July
Explore the workshops here.
Matariki Celebration
Saturday 11th July, 10am - 4pm
Find more info here.
Making for Wood Firing
Saturday 8th August, 10am - 4pm
Details here and enrolments here.
Glazing for Wood Firing
Saturday 22nd August, 10am - 4pm
Learn more and enrol here.
From the team at Clear as Mud, Waihi...
After taking a year off, Clear as Mud (CAM) 2026 is back and preparations are already underway for another celebration of pottery and ceramic art.
This year's exhibition will be held at the Waihi Arts Centre and Museum from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, with an opening event on the evening of Thursday 3 December. The CAM team has moved the exhibition to December this year to make the most of the pre-Christmas shopping season.
Entries will open on 1 August, with the online entry form being circulated from 31 July. The entry fee remains $12 per piece, with a maximum of four pieces per artist, and there is no commission charged on sales.
The CAM team is also looking for additional volunteers to help before and during the exhibition. If you'd like to support this much-loved event behind the scenes, please get in touch with Bridget and the CAM team.
Keep an eye out for entry information at the end of July if you'd like to take part.
That's all for this week folks x
I'll leave you with these beauties...
Top L-R: Rachel Petrie, Lily Jorgensen, Marlize Alberts.
Bottom L-R: Kat Jenkins, Joanne Van Vliet, Jen Howell.
