October 2024 Newsletter
Club Notes and Updates
President Martin Henty presented the 2024 AGM on Friday, 20 September.
AGM 2024 Wrap-Up
Although the minutes of the evening are not available quite yet, here is the informal round-up of the action items from the meeting:
Election of the Committee
Martin Henty (President), Julie Harrington (Vice-President) and Kelly Ye (Treasurer) were all voted in for another year in their formal positions. Chrissy Blair was voted in for the role of Secretary. Ingrid Peek, Peter Rumble and Gordon Sinclair retained their seats as Committee members, and Paige Jarman and Lauren Cleary were added to the roster.
The next time the new Committee meets they will delegate portfolios amongst the group.
Presentation of Life Memberships
We are very proud to bestow Life Memberships to Anneke Borren and Vivian Rodriguez. Both have been involved in the club since early days and it is a pleasure to see them recognised for such devotion to WPA.
New Constitution Endorsed
Over the last three months (or more!) the Committee plus former Committee member Steve Moate have been working on aligning the club to the new Charities Commission regulations. This included rewriting the entire constitution for the club, and although the government had structure in place to do this, it still resulted in a 17-page document (vs. the 2-page document that the club formerly had)! With the approval/endorsement from the membership at the meeting, we believe that we are a year ahead of a good population of New Zealand. You have access to the draft constitution from the email that was sent out to everyone, but if you would like to read it again please let Admin know and they can send you a link.
Approval of the Studio Technician Position
Finally, formal approval for the Studio Technician Position was secured at the meeting. With an informal poll approval rating of 98%, we were not surprised at how quickly this passed. The Committee’s next steps will be to re-advertise the position, with the hopes to get the successful applicant in the role for when the kiln room reopens after the holidays.
Thank you to all who attended!
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Check Your Membership Status
Our new membership year started 1 October. By now, you should have received an automated email from HelloClub to renew or stop your membership. If you haven’t, have a look in your spam folders. If you don’t renew or pay your membership fees by 31 October, your membership may expire and you could lose your place in the club (yes, we’re that popular)!
Please note that we don’t offer part-year memberships. And if you prefer to pay by direct credit please open the invoice attached to your email for details. Please be aware, though, that payments made by direct credit need to be reconciled manually and may take a week or so to appear on your account.
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Raku Club is Firing Up for the New Season
Now we’re through the worst of the winter weather, Raku Club is planning its first firings of the season for October and November. If you’ve always wanted to have a go at Raku, you first need to observe a session and there are four places available each firing to come and see what it’s all about. For a $5 fee, you can also submit a piece to be fired on your behalf, making the firing much more exciting to watch. Those people just wanting to have a nosey are welcome to watch at any time with no fee.
Have a look on our socials and in HelloClub for the Raku Club observer events on 26 October, 16 November and 30 November.
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Ceramicus 2024 will be held at the Wellington Botanic Gardens' Begonia House again this year.
Ceramicus 2024: Applications Open, General Info, Volunteers Needed, and Spread the Word
Applications for Ceramicus are now open!
Apply online via the Google Form. In this form you will enter:
• Your info, including a short artist bio
• The names and descriptions of your pieces
• Opt in to the awards you wish to be considered for
Information for members
Our members' information sheet runs through everything you need to know entering Ceramicus. This was emailed to all members on Thursday 26 Sept, and is now in the ‘Ceramicus FAQ’ section of Hello Club.
At our info night, Peter Rumble shared his approach to pricing pots and has kindly offered to make this available to members. The link is available on the Ceramicus FAQ page in HelloClub.
Can’t make receiving day?
We know it’s a long weekend and some people may be away. If this is you, read on:
• Complete the online entry form as normal
• Please ensure you have followed all rules - separate packaging for each entry, only 1 set, only 1 NFS piece
• Pay your entry fee using club eftpos and put the receipt with your entries
• Ask a friend or family member if they can deliver your piece(s) to receiving day for you
• If this is not possible, please email Kate via wellingtonpotters.events@gmail.com to arrange early drop off at the rooms.
It’s ideal that you bring your pots to receiving day so we can check through your application.
We also don’t want the rooms to become inundated with early deliveries. We take no responsibility for any pots that are damaged or go missing if left in the rooms.
Volunteers needed!
There are lots of things we need help with in the lead up to Ceramicus, if you can assist with any of the following, get in touch with Kate via wellingtonpotters.events@gmail.com:
• Space preparation at the Begonia House (cleaning and paint touch ups) - Thurs 24 Oct
• Loading and unloading plinths - Fri 25 Oct
• Receiving day - Sun 27 Oct
• Creation of a Ceramicus playlist on Spotify
• Distribution of flyers
Opening night
All members are invited to attend our opening night event on Tuesday 29 October from 5pm-7.30pm. Our exhibition will be opened with karakia by mana whenua at 5.30pm, followed by the presentation of awards at 5.45pm. Light nibbles will be provided and there will be a cash bar for drinks.
This is a members only event, please no guests / plus ones / family members.
Pop-Up Market
Our Pop-Up Market is almost fully booked! Across 2 days we’ll have over 20 club members selling their wares outside the Begonia House, in the laneway next to the Rose Garden. Kate Mac has a waitlist for Saturday, so if you’re interested in sharing your table or can’t make it anymore please get in touch.
All participating members will receive comms about logistics closer to the time.
Spread the word!
Events are now live on Facebook and Eventfinda for Ceramicus and the Pop-Up Market and it’s time to help spread the word!
• Facebook Ceramicus
• Facebook Pop-Up Market
• Eventfinda Ceramicus
• Eventfinda Pop-Up Market
Members’ Gallery: Anagama
The incredible Mel Waite has yet again surpassed all of our expectations and put together a huge gallery of images for us. As this is just a small sampling of what is available, check the Facebook Members’ page for the link to the full gallery.
If you use her photos, please credit Mel wherever possible (@melwaitephotography on Facebook and Instagram or melwaitephotography.co.nz). Of course, WPA members should not on-sell or directly make money off Mel’s images without prior approval or discussion with her.
Don’t forget to come to the Anagama Show and Tell to debrief from this year’s firing! Mel will be on hand to take photos of the work that is presented.
Is there something you’ve made that you want to show off? If so, please email your photos (and descriptions, if you’d like) to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
DID YOU KNOW…?
Volunteer of the Month
Every month we like to acknowledge a member who has gone above and beyond for the club in their volunteering. This month, we’d like to recognise Rachel K. for doing an amazing job with the recycled clay area outside. The clay station does not stay tidy on its own (quite the opposite, actually) and the reason it always seems so neat is because Rachel takes a few minutes every time she is in to do a bit of work.
Do you know someone who needs to be recognised for their efforts at the club? Anyone can submit a person of nomination—just slip their name into the box on the sign-in desk! The Committee reads through the suggestions and picks one (or more) people to be awarded.
Strata for October
If you have any favourite recipes that you’d like to share, please email wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com. Otherwise, your favourite Admin will keep giving you American things to cook!
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It turns out this is an actual American thing! Think 'savoury bread-and-butter pudding' using whatever you want. A great way to use up items from the fridge, and it reheats beautifully.
Recipe tweaked by Heather B, recipe itself from allrecipes (mostly), photos from allrecipes.
INGREDIENTS
• cooking spray/butter/oil
• 500g sautéed/cooked pork sausage, veggie sausage, bacon (or not)!
• 1 baguette, preferably stale, cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheese of your liking
• any sautéed/pre-cooked veggies you'd like to add (leek, onion, broccoli, red capsicum, spinach, etc), in any amount
• 2 cups milk
• 6 large eggs (up to 8 if you are adding a LOT of veggies)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground dry mustardDIRECTIONS
1) Layer bread cubes, cooked protein, veggies, and cheese in a prepared baking dish/large casserole dish.
2) Beat together milk, eggs, salt, and mustard in a medium bowl. Pour over bread mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
3) When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
4) Preheat oven to 175° C
5) Bake for 20 minutes uncovered.
6) Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7) Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
8) Enjoy!
PSAs from the Club Admin
Kia ora, koutou! Only a few quick items from Admin:
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If You Sell Your Work
A reminder that club glazes and firings are not to be used for work being sold. We will not argue the occasional piece that sneaks through – we get it, it happens! But in general you need to take ownership of your entire creative process and this means not abusing the club’s resources. Thank you!
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Southern Hemisphere Clays
Macs is now stocking Feeneys and Walkers (Aussie) clays via their alternate title (Clay Down Under). WPA won't hold all of them in stock, so be sure to check out their website here.
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A Few More Images from the Kwak Kyungtae and Marco Minetti Demo Day
Marco Minetti has been kind enough to give his images to Ceramics NZ, who have passed them on to us. You can find the images from all of the tour using this link.
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Do You Have Clay Behind the Building?
Prior to the Working Bee on Sunday 13 October, all members’ clay that’s at the back of the building (underneath the washing line) must be either removed or named and updated. Note that a scribble on a piece of paper adhered with sticky tape doesn’t quite do the trick! Permanent marker onto the container or your details inside a see-through, self-adhesive envelope stuck to the container works well.
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Ngā mihi!
Suggestion Box
Thanks for your suggestions in the suggestion box! Believe it or not, the suggestion box is NOT a black void of notes from you all. Suggestions get read, discussed, and logged at the Committee Meetings. Below are the suggestions and outcomes from September’s meeting (click the “+” to expand).
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Yes! But we need to find a date for this as the schedule is filling up. We’ll keep this in mind as we work through upcoming classes.
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Same as above–October is FULL (see section below)! We’ll keep this in mind, however, as we work through upcoming classes.
Upcoming WPA Classes & Events
Anagama Show and Tell
4 October | 6:00 - 8:00PM
We know how excited you are about your anagama pots - bring them along to show everyone your successes - and your failures!
We'll also talk about how to remove wadding and other marks from your pots, as well as the reasons why you should or shouldn't put your anagama pots through a club firing (Cone 6) with transparent glaze.
Like last year, Mel Waite has generously offered to take studio photos of your pots at this evening. Thanks again Mel! (http://www.melwaitephotography.co.nz)
Feel free to bring nibbles / drinks. This event is open to all members.
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Bring Your Child/ren
10 OCTOBER | 10:00AM - NOON
Want to share your passion for clay with the child in the your life?
The club rooms will be open for 2.5 hours during the school holidays for you to bring your child/ren along to play with clay. No tutors are provided by WPA though so you are to be responsible for your child's behaviour and safety while in the rooms.
You must provide all materials and fully supervise their activities, cleaning up thoroughly at the end of the session. Finished art may be fired at WPA - for this event only.
Please SIGN UP for this one-off event. Max of 10 WPA members (with no more than TWO accompanying children, all ages welcome).
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Throwing Off the Hump
9 & 10 OCTOBER | 5:30 - 9:00PM
Ever wanted to throw off the hump in the Japanese tradition? Join Lyuba Zhilkina for this two-night workshop!
In this workshop, you will learn about the basic principles and design techniques of classical Japanese bowls and other shapes, how to to spiral wedge 1.5kg of clay, and throwing and removing pieces from the hump.
You need to be able to centre a minimum of 1kg of clay without assistance.
MATERIALS
At least 5kg of your favourite throwing clay
Your throwing tools, apron, etc.
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Club Working Bee
13 OCTOBER | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
It's time to pitch in!
Every season, we take one day to get the membership together to make necessary repairs / deep clean the studio. This is for the good of the membership – we'll fix stuff, make space for your new creations, and make sure the tools you need are there and in good order.
We need ALL hands on deck to get this job done, as volunteering your time and expertise is an expectation of being a Full member of WPA. When you arrive, you'll be given a task and have the opportunity to bond with fellow members while making a positive impact. Let's work together to achieve great things.
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Plates and Platters (New Date)
19 & 20 OCTOBER | 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Ever dreamed of making your own dinner set? Get started on it with Vivian Rodriguez in this weekend workshop!
Designed for throwers seeking to learn or perfect the necessary skills and techniques to design, throw, and trim plates and platters, this workshop is a combination of demonstration and student participation divided into two full days. All levels of wheel throwers are welcome to join, however students MUST be able to centre and work at the potter’s wheel unassisted.
Materials
10-12 kg your preferred type of clay. Make sure you bring to class a type of clay you have used before and feel comfortable working with. It is not good idea to try new types of clay during the weekend workshop.
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Glazing Basics (EDIT: Full)
21 October | 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Join Hedy Ankers for an evening to learn the basics of glazing at WPA.
WPA subsidizes this course to ensure new members have a good grounding in glaze basics. It helps you to avoid making glaze mistakes that could ruin your pieces and/or cost you in damage to kiln or kiln shelves.
The course provides an overview of glaze room protocol, stirring, dipping, pouring, with some layering and oxide decoration depending on time. Spray booth/glazing is not included. It will be limited to four participants per class.
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Friends and Family Friday
25 OCTOBER | 5:00 - 9:00PM
Join us for our popular Friends and Family evening.
This is your chance to bring along ONE friend or family member to see what ceramics and pottery is all about. Christine Winbush will be your host for the evening, however you are responsible for providing clay, overseeing what your guest does, and making sure you have cleaned up tidily after yourselves. You are welcome to bring snacks and a drink to enjoy too. Open any time between 5pm and 9pm.
Club members are allowed to fire items made during this evening by your friend or family but must take responsibility for paying and collecting the items promptly.
The event is free to attend but please SIGN UP as we have limited spaces available.
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Ceramicus Receiving Day
27 OCTOBER | TIME TBC
It’s time to kick into gear!
Ceramicus Receiving Day will happen on 27 October. The rooms will be closed all day so that we have time to prep, collect, display and judge the works that will be chosen for this year’s exhibition.
Be sure to attend the Ceramicus Information Night to learn about the exhibition and how to prepare for it.
For more information, you can also check out the FAQ page on in HelloClub.
We can’t wait to see what you will enter!
Community News/Events
Gaspar Huala Exhibition | HORNERO
Our Potter-in-Residence, Gaspar Huala, is holding an exhibition from 15 October to 21 October at Rice Pudding Gallery (91 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington). Demo: Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 from 10am to 2pm. Opening Event: Friday 18 th at 6pm.
Links to other clubs’ newsletters
Ceramics New Zealand national news can be found here, with the Wellington / regional news here.
Gear Homestead Woolshed Potters’ October 2024 Newsletter can be found here.
The Kilns at Te Horo August 2024 Newsletter can be found here.
Ōtaki Potter’s October 2024 Newsletter can be found here.
Have some content for the newsletter? Email it to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
The deadline for the next newsletter is 23 September.
Nga mihi for doing your “plusONE” so that WPA stays a thriving space for us all.
(Note: the missing macron above is not a typo, but a disappointing formatting quirk of the website platform.)
