September 2024 Newsletter
Club Notes and Updates
AGM 2024 and Pot Swap
Our Annual General Meeting will be held in the rooms on Friday, 20 September from 5:30pm.
Items for presentation or discussion include:
• Election of the Committee
• Presentation of life memberships
• New constitution for endorsement
• Approval of the studio tech position
The full meeting agenda and discussion documents will be emailed to members on Thursday, 5 September. Check your junk folder if you haven’t seen anything by Friday (6/9).
Positions Available on the Committee
Treasurer: Our wonderful Treasurer, Kelly Ye, has plans to move overseas next year so we are looking for a new Treasurer. There will be ample opportunity for onboarding and handover.
Secretary: We are looking for someone to run our monthly Committee meetings. This involves agenda planning, minute taking, and completing our annual returns with Charities Services.
Committee members:
Education Portfolio: this involves planning of classes to meet the needs of our membership, and working with tutors and Club Admin to confirm class details. This role also has oversight of the Potter-in-Residence programme, assessing applications, and talking to interested potters.
Communications Portfolio: This role is ideal for someone who wants to guide and shape the Club's overall communications strategy. With our Club Admin handling the immediate communications around classes and events, this position focuses on overseeing the greater social media community, in-studio communication projects (e.g. educational videos for specific equipment), direction of messaging, consistency across platforms, and exploring new ways to engage our members.
Events Portfolio: this role has oversight of all club social events (e.g. “Friends and Family Fridays”, “The WPA Throwdown”, the Mid-Winter Potluck, etc), working with the Club Admin and volunteers to get them running. This role also has oversight of Ceramicus.
If you are interested in any of these roles, please get in touch with a Committee member or Heather, our Club Administrator.
Pot Swap and Nibbles
Following the close of the AGM we will have a pot swap and nibbles. Bring a small plate of food to share, and if you’d like to participate in the pot swap, bring a wrapped pot.
NOTE: The main rooms will be closed from 4:30pm →onwards.
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A New Potter-in-Residence
Farewell, Tanaya! Thank you for your time and work as our Winter PIR.
Tanaya finished her time as Potter-in-Residence at the end of August. During this time she created a massive amount of painted porcelain mugs and teapots in some beautiful new designs. Check out the below images for a few examples of her accomplishments:
Welcome, Gaspar!
On Monday, 9 September, Gaspar Huala will join us as our Potter-in-Residence for Spring. Gaspar, from Argentina, is on a working holiday in New Zealand. His hand-built work is inspired by the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
During his time with us he plans to create pieces inspired by the birdlife and landscapes of Wellington. We are hoping to run a traditional pit firing while Gaspar is here!
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Ceramicus 2024: Awards, Sponsors, and Info Night
Announcing the 2024 Ceramicus Awards
We are pleased to announce the awards (and their sponsors) for this years exhibition:
• Wellington Potters Acquisition Award
New for 2024! A panel will be assembled to select a piece to be purchased by Wellington Potters’ Association (up to a maximum of $650 including commission). Your piece will become part of the history of WPA and will be proudly displayed in our collection.
The remaining award winners will be selected by our guest artist and selector, Felicity Donaldson Smith, of Wundaire Ceramics:
• Clay Down Under Premier Award, $500 voucher - For the first overall placing piece
• Bot Pots Excellence Award, $350 voucher - For the second overall placing piece
• Bot Pots Merit Award, $250 voucher - For the third overall placing piece
• Bot Pots Emerging Potter Award, $200 voucher - This award is for potters who have been working with clay for less than 3 years. It has been designed to encourage our newer members to put themselves forward
• Kiwi Underglaze Creative Colour Award, $200 voucher - This award is for creative and innovative use of colour. Kiwi Underglaze specifically state, "fun is encouraged!”
• Bot Pots Highly Commended Awards, $50 voucher (2 awards available)
Our 2024 Sponsors
This month we are showcasing 3 of our 6 wonderful Ceramicus sponsors:
Clay Down Under is your premium destination for top quality pottery clay from New Zealand and Australia. Discover their diverse range of clays at: www.claydownunder.co.nz
Kiwi Underglaze boasts a full palette of 50 ready-to-go colours to suit any style or project. From bold and bright primaries to subtle and sophisticated pastels, their colours will add a touch of personality and creativity to any pottery creation and are perfect for ceramic artists of all skill levels. See the full range at: www.kiwiunderglaze.com
Nelson Pottery Supplies offers a range of clays, raw materials, stains, oxides, frits, glazes, tools, potters wheels and kilns through their online shop and store in Nelson. Stephen is here to help with all your pottery needs: www.nelsonpotterysupplies.co.nz
Ceramicus Info Night: Friday, 27 September
The 2023 Ceramicus event at the Wellington Botanic Gardens
Got questions about the Ceramicus entry process? Not sure how to get your piece exhibition ready? Never been to Ceramicus before and want to know what it's about?
Then join us for Ceramicus info night on 27 September at 5:30pm.
Bring along something to drink and we'll bring the snacks.
• Kate MacDonald, Ceramicus Convenor, will talk through the entry and selection process.
• Coral Dolan, will run through how you can get your pieces exhibition ready (this is super important for hanging or mounted pieces).
• We’ll also talk through considerations for pricing your piece.
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Pop-up Pottery Market
Stalls are now available for the Pop-up Pottery Market! Details and registration via HelloClub (see links below).
Here’s the run down:
• Dates: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November
• Time: set up from 8.30am, market open from 10am-4pm
• Cost: stalls are $30 per day ($60 for both days)
Note: you must sign up separately for each day. Once you have registered and paid via Hello Club you are confirmed. Questions? Contact Kate via wellingtonpotters.events@gmail.com
Thank you to Phoebe Tuxford for volunteering her time to update the designs for 2024.
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Anagama 2024 Update
The kiln is loaded and closed! Firing begins on Wednesday (4/9), with shifts scheduled around the clock from Wednesday through Sunday. Once the firing has ended, it takes a week for the kiln to cool and unloading happens on 15 September.
Keep up to date with the Anagama firing via Instagram and Facebook! Once the kiln is unloaded and everyone has had a moment to collect their breath, we’ll hold a ‘Show and Tell’ night. Keep your eyes peeled on the usual channels for the date to be announced!
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Throwdown Wrap-Up
The 2024 WPA Throwdown happened on Friday, 17 September, with around 40 members in attendance and quite a few choosing to compete. A HUGE THANK YOU to James D and his team of volunteers for organising the event. Thanks to Mel McCamish (of Bot Pots) for sponsoring the event, and Chris (Clay Studios) for guest judging the “Blind Bowl” competition. Many thanks to Ish for the trophies and medals, Vivian R for “Galliant Attempt” stars, and Christine W for our special prizes.
Scroll through the photos below to see the night:
Admin’s deepest apologies to Cylinder of Chaos winners (First Place - Julie Har; Second Place - James D; and Gallant Attempt - Paige J) for missing their winner’s photo. If anyone has one, please email it to Admin at wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com and Admin will update the online version of the Newsletter.
Members’ Gallery: Kwak Kyungtae and Marco Minetti Demo Day
Another huge thank you is necessary for making the Kwak Kyungtae and Marco Minetti Demo Day a reality. Kate Mac needs to be recognised for her hard work liaising with Ceramics NZ and getting all the necessary parts in place for the event, as does Kay F for housing the potters while they were in Wellington.
Both members’ will be receiving one of the bowls thrown by Kwak Kyungtae on that day (once they are fired).
Do you have more photos from the event, or want more photos from the event? We’ve made a Google Drive folder for everyone to share. NOTE: If you post your photos in the folder, understand that anyone can view or use these images.
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…?
New books in the library!
Great news! In addition to the ‘Strange Clay’ book that Anneke Borren donated back in June, we have a few more donations to the collection!
‘Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques’ by James C. Watkins and Paul Andrew Wandless, 2006. Donation from former member, Rachel K. “Authors James Watkins and Paul Wandless, along with a group of distinguished artisans, demonstrate in detail how to build low-cost, low-tech, yet high-quality kilns. The plans range from an easy, affordable, and versatile Raku Kiln to a unique wood-fueled Downdraft Stovepipe Barrel one. These clever devices make it possible to produce rich surface effects from alternative reduction firing techniques.”
‘Flora Christeller and Friends’ exhibition catalogue, 2015. Donation from Flora’s daughter, Fiona Christeller. This exhibition catalogue is a companion piece to Shoji Hamada’s spiral wedge. Flora was a past president of WPA and a prolific and accomplished potter.
‘The Radical Potter’ by Tristram Hunt, 2022. Donation from Tim H. “A spectacular biography of the great designer, entrepreneur, abolitionist and beacon of the Industrial Revolution, Josiah Wedgwood, from Tristram Hunt, acclaimed historian and Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum.”
These items will be on the shelves shortly! Keep in mind you no longer need to fill out the library cards when checking out items: simply fill out the list in on the clipboard in the “Returns” box above the library desk. When you return the item, put it in the box and cross off your name. The library team will double check your return against the list and put the book back where it belongs on the shelves.
Thank you again, Rachel K, Fiona Christeller, and Tim H, for your generous donations!
Cookies for September
If you have any favourite recipes that you’d like to share, please email wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
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Obviously, New Zealand doesn't have great access to Nestlé's chocolate chips, but you can sub out ANY chocolate as long as it is around the size of a small dice. This is the original recipe for the "American chocolate chip cookie" and - for a lot of American children - the first thing they ever learned to bake!
Recipe suggestion by Heather B, recipe itself from Nestlé, photos from lovefromtheoven.com.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels or 340g any chocolate chips/drops/etc.
• 1 cup chopped nuts (Optional. If omitting, add 1 to 2 Tbsp. of all-purpose flour.)DIRECTIONS
1) Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C)
2) Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts.
3) Eat as much dough as you are comfortable consuming. (Note: not recommended - raw egg in the dough. Doesn't mean that we don't eat at least 3 cookies worth of batter.)
4) Drop the (leftover) dough by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
5) Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
6) Best enjoyed warm with a glass of milk, but also delicious at room temperature or frozen.
The best quote I've ever heard regarding cookie dough, "As far as I'm concerned, baking is what you do with the leftovers." - Porter Stanton Teegarden
Welcome New Members!
Agnes G (Full)
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Alexa L (Full)
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Anna C (Full)
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Claire H (Full)
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Connor deB (Full)
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Editha P* (Full)
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Flynn H (Full)
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Kaitlyn P (Full)
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Lewis I (Full)
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Lou C (Associate)
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Millie R (Full)
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Stephanie W (Full)
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Wiebke A (Full)
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Agnes G (Full) | Alexa L (Full) | Anna C (Full) | Claire H (Full) | Connor deB (Full) | Editha P* (Full) | Flynn H (Full) | Kaitlyn P (Full) | Lewis I (Full) | Lou C (Associate) | Millie R (Full) | Stephanie W (Full) | Wiebke A (Full) |
On 18 August, we held the first induction since hitting our max membership back in May. If you see a new member looking a bit lost in the studio, please say hello and offer a hand. This group has been waiting a looooong time to become members!
*We need to recognize Editha P who arrived at the induction super early, made herself a cuppa, read the ‘plus ONE’ sign above the sink, and immediately started deep cleaning the coffee/tea station! Thank you, Editha. We love your work already.
PSAs from the Club Admin
Kia ora, koutou! So much going on in the rest of the newsletter, I’ll keep it short. Please read below:
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Did we run out of slips or forms?
A reminder to all that if we’ve run out of any slip or form in the club (drying slips, firing slips, kiln firing forms, EFTPOS pages, etc), copies AND master copies can be found in the orange folder on the library desk. Take some, copy some, and replenish as necessary. Ngā mihi!
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Karori Brownies Night at WPA
A note that Vera B will be hosting 16 Brownies from Karori on Thursday, 26 September from 6pm - 7:30pm. The rooms will remain open for this community outreach event, but they’ll need the front 2-3 tables in the main studio.
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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 August’s meeting (click the “+” to expand).
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Yes! The Committee whole-heartedly agrees. Thank you to them both.
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We are exploring a workshop for parents and children in January. Watch this space.
Upcoming WPA Classes & Events
Clay Club - September
10 September | 10:00AM - noon
Join the Clay Club to learn about the recycling process for clay, the significance of using grog, types of clay and their purposes, appropriate firing temperatures, and how to effectively utilise a pug mill for creating recycled clay (which is available for purchase by members). No previous experience is necessary. Additionally, attending Clay Club can count towards volunteer hours.
With our new system of recycling clay, no need to wear gloves or a mask -- but wearing clothes that can get muddy is wise.
Sign up in HelloClub to attend individual sessions at your convenience - no regular attendance required. Attending four sessions earns a 10kg bag of the Club's recycled clay.
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Plates and Platters
21 & 22 September | 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.
Community News/Events
Links to other clubs’ newsletters
Ceramics New Zealand national news can be found here, with the Wellington / regional news here.
Gear Homestead Woolshed Potters’ September 2024 Newsletter can be found here.
The Kilns at Te Horo August 2024 Newsletter can be found here.
Ōtaki Potter’s September 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.)
