Top L-R: CM, AR, Georgia Whitta.
Bottom L-R: AA, unknown, unknown.
More to see at the end of the newsletter :)
Kia ora e hoa mā
There's a lot on the go at the studio this week, so grab a cuppa and settle in - here's everything you need to know.
A big, warm and heartfelt thank you to this week's PWC and Members' Open Studio volunteers: Teresa Gibbison, Lydia Farrell, Yasmin Davis and Kristen Almond - you legends, we couldn't run these sessions without you! ❤️
Read on for info on exhibition entries, class updates, September wood firing, Matariki Pit Firing and social event, and the school holiday workshops...
And as always, remember to check the online studio calendar before you head in - especially over the next two weeks, as we'll be closed some days for the School Holiday Workshops.
Matariki Pit Firing - Last Call for Registrations!
Our Matariki Pit Firing and shin dig is happening next weekend on Saturday the 11th July, and this is your last call to get registered!
If you'd like to put your pots into this firing, please get them bisqued and bring them with you to Caroline's. Bring them into WSP for bisque by Wednesday at the very latest - and earlier if you possibly can.
A few reminders on what to bring along on the day:
any combustibles you want to wrap your pot in,
a chair,
kai to share (we'll get the BBQ going),
and BYO drinks.
All the other details you'll need are on the registration page, so please have a read before you come along.
WSP Annual Exhibition - Entries Open Now!
Our Annual Exhibition entries are officially open, and we would love to see your work in ArtsPost this year!
This is a big one, so let's say it loud: the Annual Exhibition is for every single one of our members. Whether you made your first pinch pot three months ago or you've got a shelves full of production pottery, this exhibition is for you. It's a celebration of our whole pottery whānau and everything we create together throughout the year.
Some of the most-loved pieces in past exhibitions have come from members exhibiting for the very first time, so enter the pieces you're proud of, and be part of what makes this exhibition so special: a room full of Waikato-made, member-made mahi, side by side.
Head over to the exhibition page for all the details on categories, entry requirements and key dates - and get your entry in!
Find out more and download an entry form here, or pick up a paper entry in-studio.
Term 3 Monday Night Handbuilding
Enrolments Open
Just a quick heads up - there was a slight technical glitch with the Term 3 Monday Night Handbuilding class listing, but it's all sorted now and enrolments are open! If you tried to book and hit a snag, please try again - we'd love to see you there.
Find more info and enrol here.
And while we're on the subject - here's the other Term 3 classes that are open for enrolments:
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.
September Phoenix Wood Firing
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.
Wood firing is a shared experience, and there’s always something to learn along the way—whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for more. Come along and join Victoria Kerry who will be the fire master for this event.
The firing and prep dates are:
Saturday 12th September: Prep day, organise wood, prep shelves and kiln
Saturday 19th September: Loading kiln
Sunday 20th September: Firing kiln
Sunday 26th September: Scraping shelves and unloading kiln
Find more info and sign-up here.
Are you new to wood firing, or keen to upskill and improve your results? We've also got these two complimentary workshops with Suzy Dunser to help you along, priced to keep them accessible and help grow our wood firing community:
Making for Wood Firing with Suzy Dunser
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
Discover slips, glazes and surface treatments specifically suited to wood-fired work.
Find more info and enrol here.
School Holiday Workshops - Almost Booked Out!
Our July School Holiday Pottery Workshops have been super popular - Tuesday 7th and Tuesday 14th are now sold out! There are just a few spaces left for Thursday 16th, so if your young maker wants in on the clay fun, don't leave it too long.
Ash + Aperture — Exhibition at Ramp Gallery
If you're after some Matariki inspiration, keep an eye out for Ash + Aperture, a collaborative exhibition between ceramic artist (and WSP staff member!) Dave Austin and photographer Mark Hamilton, timed to celebrate Matariki. The collaborative images were shot on location at Mt Ruapehu, Port Waikato, Te Awa Waikato and Kirikiriroa, exploring the landscape together with Dave's ceramic pieces featured as cultural signifiers.
Public Art Forum
12–1pm, Thursday 16 July
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery, 1 Grantham St, Hamilton Central
Exhibition Preview
4–6pm, Thursday 16 July
Ramp Gallery, 111 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central
Exhibition dates
Friday 17 July – Friday 13 August
Gallery open hours: Wednesday–Friday, 10am–2pm, or by appointment.
That's it for another week folks, noho ora mai x
Top L-R: Emma, MB, MK.
Bottom L-R: unknown, Georgia Whitta, unknown.
