February 2026 Newsletter
Club Notes and Updates
Summer 2026 Potter in Residence, Imogen Carter
Introducing our new Potter in Residence - Imogen Carter
We are pleased to have a new Potter in Residence at WPA! Imogen joined the Club as a member in December and started her residency in January, so you may have already met her at the rooms.
A message from Imogen:
“Having recently moved to New Zealand, I am excited to use my time at the Wellington Potters Association to immerse myself in my new surroundings and explore how the local environment can influence my work. I will focus on functional forms using locally available clays, alongside a range of handmade glazes, underglazes, and slips.
Alongside this, I will be furthering my practice in handbuilding and surface decoration, exploring techniques to create layered, tactile surfaces. A central aspect of my practice is integrating illustration with clay, so I plan to further my exploration with printmaking techniques such as screenprinting, lino printing, and stenciling to layer patterns and narrative imagery, exploring how surface, form, and mark-making interact.
By the end of my 12 week residency, I aim to finish with a cohesive body of work that reflects a sense of place and connection to Aotearoa, exploring new material possibilities and establishing a foundation for my practice in my new home.”
Imogen will run a 1-day workshop called ‘surface and form’, where she will cover a range of surface decoration techniques. Details to follow.
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Is your new year's resolution to be more good at pottery?
If so, we can help with that! Work is underway to build a calendar of members workshops for 2026. Workshops are planned for potters at all skill levels with a range of wheel throwing, hand building, surface decoration and glazing. Workshop tutors will include WPA members, potters in residence, guest tutors and touring potters.
Our WPA members workshops for February (and soon, March) are now live:
Refining the Basics on the Wheel w/ Ingrid: 4-part Course (starts 3 March)
Intro to Handbuilt Sculpture w/ Paola: Weekend Workshop (28 & 29 March)
Surface and Form w/ Imogen Carter: 1-day Workshop (TBC ASAP, stay tuned!)
These workshops are exclusive to WPA members and limited to 8 participants for an optimal learning experience.
If there is a workshop you’d like to do please pop a note in the suggestion box or email wellingtonpotters.education@gmail.com. Please be as specific as possible if you have a tutor or skill level in mind e.g. ‘Sculpture’ is not very helpful, however, ‘intro sculpture class with Paola please’ or ‘how to centre, half-day workshop with Vivian’ is very helpful.
Or if you’d like to teach a workshop and haven’t heard from Kate yet, please reach out.
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Exciting Upgrades at WPA – Wheels, Windows and (future) Solar Panels!
If you haven’t seen them yet, we’ve rolled out a new wheel setup in the studio — and the feedback so far has been great.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who stepped in at short notice to help get the west side of the building ready for the recent window installation — the new windows are amazing, and your effort made it all possible.
We’re also moving ahead with the solar panels installation. Please note that the top carpark will be CLOSED 8 AM – 5 PM on Wednesday 4 & Thursday 5 February, and Monday 9 February while the work is carried out. Ngā mihi!
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Glaze Room Round Up 2025
Give our Club Glazes feedback!
We would love to hear some feedback on club glazes. Are there any colours you wish to see? Any that you think must go? Tools you wish we had? Glaze Club is always looking for ways to improve and we want to hear from you. Email your feedback to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
Reminder
All glazes on the lower board in the glaze room are for sale. We have more recycled glaze than we have space for. If you wish to purchase any of these, please talk to Bella or Heather (wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com) to find out more.
Welcome New Members!
Adam A | Anne B | Emma D | Imogen C | Jean F | Mai N | Marie T | Sarah C | Tomoko M |
Adam A | Anne B | Emma D | Imogen C | Jean F | Mai N | Marie T | Sarah C | Tomoko M |
DID YOU KNOW…?
Support the Begonia House restoration
Double your donation* during the month of February through WPA!
The Begonia House is now officially closed while essential restoration work gets underway. As you probably know, Wellington City Council has committed $11m to the rebuild, and Friends of the Wellington Botanic Gardens are raising an additional $1m to help transform it into a true landmark for the city.
The Begonia House is near and dear to our hearts, and we know many of our members feel the same. Through our Ceramicus partnership, WPA has benefited enormously from this special relationship, and we’re excited to give back and support this cherished project.
If you’d like to donate, it’s easy! Simply buy as many $10 “coupons” through HelloClub as you’d like to give (click here). *Wellington Potters will match all donations dollar-for-dollar, up to a total contribution from WPA of $1,000. Our matching contribution runs until 28 February, so every donation made before then will be doubled.
Let’s come together and help the Begonia House bloom again! 🙂🌸
Member’s Gallery: Volunteers of 2025
A Thank You from Admin (specifically!) to you.
Ngā mihi nui from me to everyone who has pitched in around the studio over the past year. Whether through formal events, plusONE contributions, or your “secret tasks,” your efforts have been absolutely amazing.
Below are names and (some) photos of the 2025 volunteers I have on record — about 23% of our membership. If you’d like to get involved, there are plenty of opportunities to jump in and make a difference.
Alice H | Amber W | Amey H | Antonietta D | Ashleigh M | Audrey W | Ayumi T | Barb K | Barin D | Bella F | Becca B | Becca S | Beth T | Brian C | Briar S | Brad P | Carmel R | Caren P | Camille Y | Chad M | Chora C | Coral D | Chloe M | Chris D | Christine W | Chrissy B | Chrissy L | Claire H | Daphne D | Ellen W | Elaine M | Elise W
Alice H | Amber W | Amey H | Antonietta D | Ashleigh M | Audrey W | Ayumi T | Barb K | Barin D | Bella F | Becca B | Becca S | Beth T | Brian C | Briar S | Brad P | Carmel R | Caren P | Camille Y | Chad M | Chora C | Coral D | Chloe M | Chris D | Christine W | Chrissy B | Chrissy L | Claire H | Daphne D | Ellen W | Elaine M | Elise W
Elodie L | Emma S | Evan R | Fleur C | Fiona M | Georgia F | Georgi H | Georgina P | Geraldine S | Gemma B | Gordon S | Heather B | Heather H | Heather P | Hedy A | Helen B | Helen P | Ingrid P | Jade V | James D | Jenny S | Jennifer M | Jinni Y | Joe Z | Julian L | Julie H | Julie H | Julia K | Joy L | Katja S | Kate C | Kate D
Elodie L | Emma S | Evan R | Fleur C | Fiona M | Georgia F | Georgi H | Georgina P | Geraldine S | Gemma B | Gordon S | Heather B | Heather H | Heather P | Hedy A | Helen B | Helen P | Ingrid P | Jade V | James D | Jenny S | Jennifer M | Jinni Y | Joe Z | Julian L | Julie H | Julie H | Julia K | Joy L | Katja S | Kate C | Kate D
Kate M | Karley S | Kena D | Kelsey M | Kerala H | Kirsten J | Kristy T | Laila F | Lauren C | LeeAnn J | Leeanne M | Lewis I | Lina N | Lisa S | Lis E | Lyuba Z | Mal S | Mareike P | Margie L | Marilyn H | Mark M | Martin H | Maria B | Melissa B | Michelle M | Millie R | Moss C | Ninon B | Nina T | Nicole L | Nancy C | Paola N
Kate M | Karley S | Kena D | Kelsey M | Kerala H | Kirsten J | Kristy T | Laila F | Lauren C | LeeAnn J | Leeanne M | Lewis I | Lina N | Lisa S | Lis E | Lyuba Z | Mal S | Mareike P | Margie L | Marilyn H | Mark M | Martin H | Maria B | Melissa B | Michelle M | Millie R | Moss C | Ninon B | Nina T | Nicole L | Nancy C | Paola N
Paige J | Patrick vD | Petra S | Peter R | Phillip O | Phoebe T | Prue M | Rachel K | Rebecca S | Robyn N | Rosie F | Rosalie S | Rose E | Rose I | Ross W | Sam Y | Sandy E | Sarah D | Sarah M | Sharyn Y | Sharon C | Simon K | Sol M | Sophie C | Stephanie W | Steve W | Tahlia A | Tim H | Tomoko S | Vera B | Wiebke H
Paige J | Patrick vD | Petra S | Peter R | Phillip O | Phoebe T | Prue M | Rachel K | Rebecca S | Robyn N | Rosie F | Rosalie S | Rose E | Rose I | Ross W | Sam Y | Sandy E | Sarah D | Sarah M | Sharyn Y | Sharon C | Simon K | Sol M | Sophie C | Stephanie W | Steve W | Tahlia A | Tim H | Tomoko S | Vera B | Wiebke H
If I’ve missed recognising you above, my apologies! Send me a note and I can add you to the list!
Is there something you’ve made that you are particularly proud of? If so, please email your photos (and descriptions, if you’d like) to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
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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This is our goal! Once we have the solar panels installed and that side of the building cleaned up, we’re looking to fire it in the top car park. Stay tuned for updates.
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We will forward this idea to CEC.
PSAs from the Club Admin
There is A LOT to unpack here, as we didn’t have a January newsletter. Wade through the announcements below and let me know if you have any questions.
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Cone 5 firing!
Have you got pots that need to go in a cone 5 firing? We have a club cone 5 kiln booked for mid March. Your pots must be on the Cone 5 shelf Monday 16th March (by the latest) to get in.
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Parking Reminder
A gentle reminder that the parking at WPA is for when you are actively working at the rooms, not private parking for members in general.
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Glaze Room plusONEs
You asked for it (waaay back in March)! Glaze Room plusONEs are up.
In the same vein, I’ve put up the new Volunteer Tasks Tear-Away Poster at the sign-in desk. I’m aiming to refresh it every two weeks—or as needed—so the more tasks you grab, the more new ones appear. It’s working out to be a great way to help you help out by being specific with the daily needs of the club.
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Up for a Bigger Task?
Have a bit of time and want a bigger task than a studio plusONE? Peter Rumble has a list – email him (sales@rumbles.co.nz) with your available times and he’ll find something appropriate for you.
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Clarification on Sanding in the Studio
Dry sanding is never allowed in the studio. However, wet sanding or grinding is fine — but it must be done correctly. Wet sanding/grinding should be done either on the wheel, at the sink, or over a bucket of water using wet sandpaper or a wet grinding disk.
If you’re unsure whether you’re wet sanding, you’re probably dry sanding — in that case, take your work outside.
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Spray Booth Code of Conduct
Our new spray booth system is officially up and running! To make the most of it, we strongly recommend signing your contract early and getting any questions about the safe sorted before setting up work to glaze.
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Signage Update
Per the change from May 2025 (eeek!), I’ve updated the poly box signs to show the correct 7-day limit.
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Members’ Clay Recycling (rear of building)
A year’s trial has highlighted the fact that members can be ‘a little forgetful’. A recent stocktake identified more buckets un-named than named and several, judging by the state of their contents, obviously abandoned. Also, the area, overwhelmed with buckets, was becoming messy. Now, with the imminent arrival of a raku shed, space will be limited. Thus, effective immediately, members may store a MAXIMUM OF TWO 10-litre buckets during a three month period. Please adjust yours accordingly.
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CLAY: Odds’n’ends
Check the clay table for some bargains. Prices as displayed on each bag. Please pay downstairs by EFTPOS, writing “Clay X” in the ‘Particulars’ column.
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New Stock of Throwing Bats
Our last lot of bats (2019) were showing signs of wear and tear, not to mention dwindling in numbers. The new ones are noticeably different in that one side is painted white whilst the other is ‘hardboard brown’. Some extra-large were made this time for those who want to throw BIG plates.
Extra stock across the three sizes was produced, so members will soon be able to buy their own! More details in Feburary’s MMCU.
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More Cutting and Drying Boards
Some of the old cutting boards have now been designated ‘drying boards’. Please use with discretion. Most pots can be placed directly onto the drying racks. They are ideal for containing several smaller pots or to protect those with fragile parts.
Cutting boards: the new ones may be used on both sides even, though the painted sides will begin to show marks over time.
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Woof. Nice work. Ngā mihi nui for making it through!
Breakfast for February
Julie Har. and I (Admin) send each other recipes constantly. She sent me this one, and it has definitely stuck. I love it (note, I’m not the biggest fan of oatmeal, so this means something).
Recipe and photos from eatingbirdfood.com.
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INGREDIENTS
• 1 ripe banana
• ⅓ cup rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp chia seeds (I’ve used flax seeds) (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla
• pinch cinnamon (and/or nutmeg, ginger, 5-spice, etc)
• Toppings of choice: I’ve been using yogurt, cherries, almonds, and a bit of maple syrup.DIRECTIONS
Using a fork, mash the banana in a shallow bowl or plate.
Add the remaining ingredients to the mashed banana and mix until combined.
Grease a non-stick skillet with a little avocado or olive oil (or butter!) and warm over medium heat. Once warm, add the oatmeal mixture and cook until bubbles appear. Then using a spatula, flip and break the mixture into pieces.
Serve with toppings of your choice.
Enjoy!
February WPA Classes & Events
Tuesday Club Mornings
Tuesdays from 10AM(ish) - Noon(ish)
Tuesday Club Mornings (aka. “Cake Club”) is back for 2026! Join us for a relaxed, drop-in Tuesday morning meetup for ceramicists of all levels — from brand new to some of our most experienced hands. Come talk clay, ask questions, mentor or be mentored, share hot tips and tricks, have a good gab… and yes, eat cake.
Making, learning, sharing, and coaching all happen at Cake Club. Drop in, sit down for a cuppa, then get to work evolving your process alongside a generous, clay-loving crew.
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Ramen Bowls with Vivian Rodriguez
14 & 15 February | 9AM - 4PM
You’ve thrown bowls before — but have you thrown a set that actually matches? This two-day intensive workshop is for wheel throwers ready to dial in proportion, repetition, and weight while designing and making a cohesive set of ramen bowls. Expect a strong focus on form, function, and the small decisions that turn “close enough” into intentional.
All levels welcome, but students MUST be able to centre and work at the wheel unassisted.
What you’ll work on
Throwing consistent cylinders, measuring ratios, developing curves and rims, altering forms at the wheel, trimming curved bowls, refining foot-to-rim relationships, exploring foot designs, achieving final bowl weight, plus firing and glazing tips.
Outcome
By the end of the weekend, you’ll aim to complete a cohesive set of four ramen bowls. Final size will depend on the amount of clay you’re comfortable centring.
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Friends and Family
Friday 20 February | 5 - 9PM
Come Join Us for Our Fun Friends and Family Evening!
Friends & Family is currently full, but we encourage you to sign up as “interested.” Spots often open up at the last minute, and the “interested” list becomes our notification list when spaces become available — stay flexible and you might get lucky!
If you’re already booked and your plans change, please cancel as soon as possible so another member can take your spot.
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Clay Club
Tuesday 24 February | 10AM - 1PM
Join the Clay Club and dive into the world of clay recycling! Discover how clay can be reused again and again — you’ll get hands-on experience with the recycling process, learn about grog and its benefits, explore different clay types and firing temperatures, and even operate a pug mill to make your own recycled clay (available for members to purchase). No experience needed, and your time can count toward volunteer hours!
When & Where?
Clay Club meets once a month on a Tuesday (for three hours) — also known as Cake Club day! (We're trying to work Saturdays back into the rotation, events TBC.) Thanks to our upgraded recycling system, gloves and masks aren’t required anymore. Just wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy.
Flexible Sign-Up
Join as it suits you — register for individual sessions through HelloClub with no ongoing commitment. Plus, after attending four sessions, you’ll earn a 10kg bag of our freshly recycled clay.
We’d love to have you recycle mud with us!
Community News & Events
New ceramic workshops in Paraparaumu. Check them out here!
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Links to other clubs’ current newsletters:
Have some content for the newsletter? Email it to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
The deadline for the next newsletter is 22 February.
