Top L-R: Kat W, Kat W, Catherine Wolicki-Hunt.
Bottom L-R: Clara, Unmarked, Lana Marquand.
Kia ora lovely potters!
The team who fired the Phoenix wood kiln last weekend will be opening it up to see the fruits of their labour this Saturday. There's always a bit of magic in finally seeing what's come out after a firing, so if you're at the studio this weekend, pop over and have a look – it's always worth it!
The glorious volunteers running your PWC & MOS sessions this week are: Margaret Raine, Patsy Hall, Yasmin Davis, Kristen Almond, Teresa Gibbison and Lydia Farrell - show them the looooove ❤️
For all the other tid-bits, read on...
Clockwise from top left: Xanthe McHarg, Rachel Petrie, Annelize du Toit, Janine Tate.
Mid-year Diploma Assessments
It's been a big day in the studio for our full-time diploma students, who wrapped up their mid-year assessments today.
These assessments are a chance to reflect on just how much learning, making, experimenting, and problem-solving has happened over the last few months. We're incredibly proud of the effort they've put in and can't wait to see where the rest of the year takes them.
Congratulations, everyone – take a moment to celebrate!
The students will be packing up their assessment exhibition tomorrow afternoon, but if you're stopping by the studio in the morning to collect work, drop something off, or just say hello, we'd love you to take a look before it comes down.
The exhibition is a wonderful showcase of the skill, creativity, and hard work our full-time diploma students have poured into their assessments, and there's an impressive range of mahi on display. You'll find it in the ArtMakers Studio, right next door to the kiln room. Don't miss the chance to see what they've been creating!
School Holiday Pottery Workshops
Looking for a fun, hands-on creative activity these school holidays? Our School Holiday Pottery Workshops are the perfect opportunity for young makers to get messy, learn new skills, and create something they're proud of.
Led by experienced potters who love sharing their creativity and passion for clay with children, these workshops are packed with imagination, learning, and plenty of pottery fun. Whether your child is trying clay for the first time or already loves making, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Have a look at the workshops on offer and secure a spot before they fill up – these popular sessions often book out quickly!
Matariki Shin-Dig
Nau mai e hoa mā!
Saturday 11 July, 10am–4pm
Join us for our annual WSP Matariki Shin-Dig at Caroline Hamilton's property in Tuhikaramea. It's a relaxed day of good company, shared kai, and pit firing as we come together to celebrate Matariki. Everyone is welcome – members, friends, partners, children, and whānau.
We'll be sharing a BBQ lunch, so bring something for the grill, a salad or side to share, and your favourite drink.
We'll also be firing up the giant pit for another round of beautiful, earthy pit-fired pottery. Bring along any bisque-fired pots you'd like to add to the firing – there's no limit, and WSP is covering the firing materials.
Don't forget to bring:
A chair
Kai to share
BYO drinks
This is a free event, but we'd love you to register so we can get an idea of numbers. We hope to see you there!
Raku Firing – Saturday 25 July
Ready for a little fire, smoke, and pottery magic? Join us on Saturday 25 July, 10am–2pm for another exciting Raku firing, led by Raku enthusiast David Kenny.
Raku is one of the most dramatic and rewarding firing processes in ceramics. Pieces are removed red-hot from the kiln and transformed through a reduction process, creating beautiful crackle patterns, metallic effects, and wonderfully unpredictable results. No two pieces ever come out the same!
Members and non-members are welcome. Bring along a few bisque-fired pieces (ideally glazed beforehand) and enjoy a fun, social day of firing and experimentation. If you've been curious about Raku, this is a fantastic opportunity to give it a go and see the magic happen firsthand.
Bookings are essential, so grab your spot and join us for a fiery day at the studio!
Upcoming classes and workshops
There's a great line-up of classes and workshops coming up over the next couple of months. If you're keen to build your skills, try something new, or finally book that class you've been thinking about, now's the time!
Monday Morning Wheel Throwing
Starts Monday 20 July | 9.30am–12.30pm | 8 weeks
Build confidence on the wheel while learning and refining core throwing skills.
Find more info and enrol here.
Tuesday Morning Wheel Throwing
Starts Tuesday 21 July | 9.30am–12.30pm | 8 weeks
A relaxed and supportive wheel-throwing class for beginners and developing potters.
Find more info and enrol here.
Wednesday Evening Wheel Throwing
Starts Wednesday 22 July | 6pm–9pm | 8 weeks
Learn the joy of wheel throwing or continue developing your skills in a fun evening class.
Find more info and enrol here.
Thursday Morning Sculpture Skills
Starts Thursday 23 July | 9.30am–12.30pm | 8 weeks
Explore sculptural forms while developing handbuilding and clay modelling techniques.
Find more info and enrol here.
Thursday Evening Half & Half
Starts Thursday 30 July | 6pm–9pm | 8 weeks
The best of both worlds—combine wheel throwing and handbuilding in one class.
Find more info and enrol here.
Friday Introduction to Pottery
Starts Friday 24 July | 6pm–9pm | 4 weeks
A fantastic beginner-friendly introduction to handbuilding, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing.
Find more info and enrol here.
Sunday Wheel Throwing Taster
Starts Sunday 26 July | 10am–1pm | 4 weeks
Perfect for complete beginners wanting to give wheel throwing a go before committing to a longer course.
Find more info and enrol here.
Making for Wood Firing with Suzy Dunser
Saturday 8 August | 10am–4pm | 1-day workshop
Learn how to design and make forms that thrive in wood and soda firings.
Find more info and enrol here.
Glazing for Wood Firing with Suzy Dunser
Saturday 22 August | 10am–4pm | 1-day workshop
Discover slips, glazes, and surface treatments specifically suited to wood-fired work.
Find more info and enrol here.
Spaces are limited for many of these classes and workshops, so jump online and secure your spot if something catches your eye!
A Couple of Friendly Studio Reminders
One of the things that makes our studio such a great place to be is that we all help look after it together. With that in mind, here are a couple of friendly reminders.
Please leave your workspace ready for the next person.
Whether you've been throwing, handbuilding, glazing, or trimming, please take a few minutes at the end of your session to clean your work area. Wiping down tables, cleaning equipment, and sweeping up clay scraps helps keep the studio welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Please use cookies when firing thick or non-studio glazes.
We've recently had a high number of glaze runs and melts damaging kiln shelves. If you're using a thick glaze application or any non-studio glazes, please make sure your work is placed on a suitable cookie before firing. A reminder that damage caused by glaze drips is on-charged to the maker, as kiln shelves are expensive to repair and replace. Using a cookie is a simple way to protect your work, our kilns, and your wallet!
Thank you for helping us care for our shared studio. A little consideration from everyone goes a long way in keeping things running smoothly for the whole pottery community. 😊
Noho ora mai x
And don't forget to check the online studio calendar before you come in :)
