Kia ora e hoa mā
Term 4 is well and truly under way! Our classes are back in full swing, Kids' Play With Clay has returned for its final term of the year, and the shelves are slowly emptying as we are processing the last of the School Holiday work.
A massive thank you from us to this week's and last week's PWC and MOS volunteers: Margaret Raine, Leisa Templer, Teresa Gibbison, Tim Edwards, Kelly Lowen, Lydia Farrell, Yasmin Davis and Wilhelmiina Drummond 🤗 Please do make sure they all feel loved if you're using the studio when they're running a session, it's only through their generosity that the studio can open for you outside of our usual hours - especially over the upcoming long weekend xxx
A heads-up on studio closures: we're closed all day Friday 23 October for the Diploma, and closed on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 October for Labour Weekend. Sorry for any inconvenience!
As always, check the online studio calendar before you head in.
Read on for all the latest news...
Got a kiln for sale?
Got a kiln tucked away in the garage that isn't getting much love? We're considering replacing a couple of our kilns, Kiln 5 and Mini-Me, so we're putting some feelers out to see what might be available.
We'd love to hear about kilns somewhere around these sizes and specs:
Kiln 5: about 6 cubic feet, three phase, firing to at least cone 6
Mini-Me: about 1 cubic foot, single phase, firing to at least cone 6
Nothing's decided yet; we're just getting a feel for what's out there; but if you've got one that might fit the bill, flick Libby an email at manager@waikatopotters.co.nz with the make and model, its size, roughly how old it is, a photo if you have one, and what you're hoping to get for it.
Thank you!
Term 4 is under way
Term 4 classes kicked off last week, and it's been lovely to see the studio full of new and familiar faces again. A warm welcome to everyone who's joined us this term!
Missed out? These are our last two classes that will run in 2026, and they're up online ready for enrolments now...
Fire, Smoke & Feathers: Alternative Raku (Term 4B) — David Kenny
Starts Friday 13 November | 6pm–9pm | 4 weeks
There's nothing quite like pulling a glowing pot out of the kiln! Over four Friday nights, David will take you through three alternative raku techniques: naked raku, horsehair & feathers, obvara and copper matt, each with its own drama and one-of-a-kind results. All levels welcome, no experience necessary. This class is limited to just 8 students, so book early!
Find more info and enrol here.
Sunday Wheel Throwing Taster
Starts Sunday 22 November | 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.
The Big Day of Clay is coming, and we need you!
Save the date: our Open Day, the Big Day of Clay, is on Saturday 7 November, 10am–2pm. It's our chance to throw the doors open, show the wider community what goes on in here, and welcome new faces into the clay whānau. There'll be a slippery dip, paint a pot, have a go on the wheel, raku firings, pinch pots, raffles and pottery sales, with activities just $2 each.
We'd love your help to make it a good one, so if you're free we're looking for people to volunteer on the day. We need friendly faces to welcome visitors, show people around and help out with demos and have-a-go activities. Even an hour or two makes a difference. We're particularly in need of afternoon volunteers 😊
If you're keen you can sign-up here, or on the register in the studio.
Phoenix Wood Firing: November dates
The Phoenix is firing up again next month, this time with fire master Clare Wimmer at the helm. Whether you're an old hand or you've never stoked a kiln in your life, this is a warm, hands-on few days where everyone mucks in together, and newbies are especially welcome.
Pop these in your diary:
Prep day: Saturday 14 November
Loading: Saturday 21 November
Firing: Sunday 22 November
Unloading: Saturday 28 November
