Ceramicus 2025
5 November - 15 November 2025
at the Wellington Botanic Garden’s Begonia House
Join us for Ceramicus 2025
In its 67th year, the Wellington Potters’ Association’s Ceramicus will be held 5 - 15 November at the Wellington Botanic Gardens’ Begonia House.
Now in its 67th year, the Wellington Potters’ Association is proud to present Ceramicus 2025 — an inspiring celebration of contemporary ceramic art in the heart of Wellington. With Wellington Gardens as our valued in-kind venue sponsor, this annual exhibition showcases the breadth and vitality of clay practice in the region, bringing together both established makers and emerging voices. From functional ware to sculptural forms, Ceramicus highlights the innovation, tradition, and diversity of ceramics today, representing our vibrant community of potters — from enthusiastic beginners to those with over fifty years of experience — and offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience how clay continues to shape culture, community, and creative expression.
This year’s Guest Selector and Featured Artist is Aaron Scythe, whose distinctive perspective will guide the selection of works and lend a unique curatorial voice to the exhibition. With his background bridging Japanese and New Zealand traditions, Aaron brings a deep respect for technique alongside a spirit of experimentation. His presence ensures that Ceramicus 2025 will be both thoughtful and dynamic, offering an exhibition that reflects the richness of contemporary ceramics while sparking new conversations about where the medium can go next.
Ngā mihi nui to our 2025 sponsors:
VENUE SPONSOR
AWARD SPONSORS
Don’t forget to join us for our Pop-Up Market !
• Sat 8 Nov, 10:00am–3:00pm
• Sun 9 Nov, 10:00am–3:00pm
• Sat 15 Nov, 10:00am–3:00pm
• Sun 16 Nov, 10:00am–3:00pm
Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Wellington Botanic Garden
More than twenty WPA members will be selling their wares, showcasing a diverse range of handcrafted ceramics. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet local makers, discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and take home something special while supporting Wellington’s pottery community.
*Weather permitting: the market will go ahead unless conditions are truly terrible, so come prepared to enjoy a creative weekend rain or shine!
Ceramicus 2024 Awards
CLAY DOWN UNDER PREMIER AWARD – Caren Pistorious, ‘Basket of Brews’
BOT POTS EXCELLENCE AWARD – Julie Harrington, ‘Prickles in my socks’
BOT POTS MERIT AWARD – Lans Hansen, ‘Bronze Arete Vase’
BOT POTS EMERGING ARTIST AWARD – Jennifer Meech, ‘Rangatira Ātaahua’
KIWI UNDERGLAZE CREATIVE COLOUR AWARD – Sarah Drake, ‘Round squiggle pot’
BOT POTS HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD – Tony Mahoney, ‘My Imaginary Menagerie’
BOT POTS HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD – Chris Dunn, ‘Lidded Jar’
BOT POTS HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD – Peter Rumble, ‘ENGINE-UITY’
BOT POTS HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD – Kate Mac, ‘ok boomer’
WELLINGTON POTTERS' ACQUISITION AWARD – Lans Hansen, 'Coral Vase'
NELSON POTTERY SUPPLIES PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD (TIE) – Elodie Liguori, 'Padaung'
NELSON POTTERY SUPPLIES PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD (TIE) – Ish Doney, 'Cephalopod'
Ceramicus 2023 Awards
Photography thanks to Mel Waite Photography.
Ceramicus 2022 Awards
Decopot Premier Award in Ceramics: Anneke Borren - Floating Fish Vase
Abbots Excellence Award: Marilyn Hester - Tempestas: Roman wind goddess of storms
Abbots First Time Exhibitor Award: Bay Curry - We don’t make ourselves
Primo Clays Merit Award: Lyuba Zhilkina - Vase 1,2,3
Primo Clays Merit Award: Heather Payne - Find Your Own Path
Pip Woods - Homage to Basquiat- A Planter For My Son
James Dickman - Morning Smoko & Pitcher
James Dickman - Morning Smoko & Pitcher
Elaine Marland - Mother of Dragons & Dragon's Egg I,II,III
Elaine Marland - Mother of Dragons & Dragon's Egg I,II,III
Photography thanks to Mel Waite Photography.