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We offer hand building and wheel throwing pottery classes plus we also offer workshops for groups and organisations.
If you are new to clay, or want to learn how to ‘throw’ on the wheel, we have the classes to suit.
Our classes are very popular. We look forward to hearing from you.
beginners handbuilding
This class is for people who are new to working with clay. You’ll learn a range of clay techniques, including wedging, coiling, pinching and slab work, which will give you the necessary skills and confidence to work independently.
With the support of two tutors, you’ll learn how to create bowls, jugs and cups. Please note that there is no wheelwork in this class.
Mini Exhibition: The week following the final class, we invite all participants back for an exhibition of student work. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your success and enjoy seeing the results of everyone’s efforts.
Cost includes everything you need – clay, use of tools and equipment, glazes, and firing of your pieces. At the end of the course you would expect to take home 6-8 finished pieces.
The start date for the final handbuilding class in 2023 is:
To buy a ticket, please note that the get ticket button below goes live one month before the start date of the class. Tickets cannot be purchased or booked prior to this date. There is no waitlist.
class tutor:
Ruth Vickers:
Ruth has an Honours Diploma in Art and Creativity and she was awarded a full scholarship for her final year. She has been a practising artist for over 20 years and started working with clay in her early 20s.
Ruth’s ceramic work, The Earth Series, ONE, was a finalist in the Miles Art Awards in 2022. Her work can be found at The Pot Shop at The Incubator and she is represented by The Lawnmower’s Son Gallery. Ruth runs the hand building classes, assists with the wheel throwing classes, and is a member of the BPC Committee.
wheel throwing
This class is aimed at absolute beginners to learn how to ‘throw’ on the wheel. You’ll learn the basics of centering, opening and pulling and make some simple bowls and cylinders.
Mini Exhibition: The week following the final class, we invite all participants back for an exhibition of student work. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your success and enjoy seeing the results of everyone’s efforts.
Cost includes everything you need – 10kg bag of clay, use of tools and equipment, glazes, and firing of your pieces. At the end of the course you would expect to take home 6-8 finished pieces.
Please note that the final wheel throwing class for 2023 is fully booked.
class tutor:
Cat Thompson:
“I have always been artistic and my journey with clay started as a child, modelling with wild clay on the farm”.
In 1989 Cat returned from overseas to work for Tony Sly Pottery. Then with the encouragement of Bryce Stevens, she enrolled at Waikato Polytechnic (now Wintec), graduating with a Diploma of Craft and Design (Hons.) in 1992 majoring in ceramics. She felt very lucky to have amazing mentors and teachers in Raewyn Atkinson and Moyra Elliott. Cat taught at the Waikato Society of Potters and Fraser High Scool’s Continuing Education course until 2000.
Cat has over 30 years experience in ceramics and has been a finalist in the Portage Ceramic Awards and Waiclay. Cat’s sculptural work is represented by Quay Gallery. Cat is a BPC Committee member and tutor, and past tutor at The Incubator. Cat runs the wheel throwing classes at the club.
If you’re looking for a fun and full-on team activity, our club offers 3 hour workshops for businesses and private groups. So whether you’ve got a team building day coming up, or a hens party to plan, get in touch and we’ll make a date. With the support of two tutors you’ll learn how to create bowls, jugs, cups, or even a group masterpiece!
You’re welcome to bring your own food, music and drinks, and make yourself at home.
Cost includes clay, use of tools and equipment, glazes and firing of your pieces. At the end of the workshop your pieces will be dried, fired and glazed and we’ll notify you when they’ll be ready for collection. A minimum of six participants is needed for our workshops.
$75 per person
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