Taus Ceramics – Kerikeri

Next weekend I’ll be running my first ‘Fun With Plaster’ workshop. Students will make and modify simple tile moulds. They’ll learn about pouring plaster as well as using press moulds to make tiles and sprigs.

www.taus.co.nz/workshops#funwithplaster

I will also be running a two day mould making course at Driving Creek in Coromandel on the 4th and 5th of July.

Info HERE.

Quarry Arts Centre- Whangarei

The firing of Manawa has been completed, however you may want to check out the exhibition.

Celebrate the beauty, unpredictability, and craftsmanship of wood-fired ceramics.

This exhibition highlights the distinctive surfaces, textures, and character created during the 36-hour stoneware firing of the Manawa kiln. From refined forms to wild and unpredictable results, the exhibition celebrates both the beauties and the beasts that wood-firing creates.

Opening Night: Friday 3 July | 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Yvonne Rust Gallery, Quarry Arts Centre
Exhibition Dates: 3 – 17 July 2026

Gallery hours: Mon – Sat 9.30am – 4.30pm

For more information on workshops at the Quarry please visit quarryarts.org

Otago Polytechnic Ceramics Diploma, practical element based at the Quarry Arts Centre, Whangarei

It is half way through the year for the diploma students, there has been a lot of making and technique learning. There are some working their way through the level 5 programs and others onto the level 6 programs. 

A couple of weeks ago we were fortunate enough to visit some wonderful ceramic artists up in Kerikeri. Tim Grocott – Taus Ceramics, Jacqueline Aust and Mark Mitchell a huge thank you for sharing your process and seeing how things operate. It was an inspirational and insightful visit to three very different artists who have very different approaches to working in the field of ceramics.

The group recently had a big day out at Fire and Earth looking at two different firing technics Firstly building and firing a brick built pit fire kiln in the morning. Exploring saggar within this type of firing and different materials that can be used. In the afternoon was Raku firing. Exploring naked raku, crackle and lustre glazes. A very full and exciting day.

Reflecting on past Ceramic Exhibition May 2026- Yvonne just Gallery – Quarry Arts Centre – Whangarei

Touchstones exhibition showcased a wide array of different ceramic pieces with different methods of making through to different finishing, and firing techniques.  

A wonderful opening and celebration of these woman artists coming together to exhibit their works. Hopefully we will see more of these artist in future exhibitions.

A collection of ceramic arts by a collective of local women artists. 

 Touchstones explores how creativity persists amid the distractions of daily life, particularly the invisible labour and mental load often carried by women. Each piece acts as a touchstone: evidence of a moment carved out of everyday chaos, and a testament to commitment and persistence. This exhibition invites viewers into the quiet but powerful act of showing up: to make, to fire, to connect, and to keep creating even when life pulls us in every direction. 

Participating artists:  Linette van Greunen, Akke Tiemersma, Amber Brownlie, Anabelle McCusker, Anna Parke, Briar Monro, Caitlin Osborne, Heath Bell, Jeffie Mulder, Maria Eugenia, Miriam Gavin, and Ros May. 

Rayburn House Gallery – Whangarei – a call out for artist to participate in up and coming fundraiser.

Hello Artists

We are currently seeking ‘expressions of interest’ from our members and any Northland artists to participate in this years fundraising ‘Squared Up’ art sale at Reyburn House.

As last year was a great success we thought we should run this again.  Wendy Cunliffe and Susan Hermansen will be the organisers this year with advice gladly accepted from last year’s organisers.

2026 exhibition will be as follows:

Date – 29th September – 11th October

This year it will be called ‘Squared Up #2’

The size of the artwork will still be 12” x 12” 

Hanging fee will be $20 per work.

Artists will be asked to display up to 3 pieces of art

All pieces sold will accrue a 25% commission fee plus GST on that percentage.

There will be two sections.  Some rooms will have paintings priced at $250 ( you get $194) and other rooms will be priced at $150 (you get $116)

If you are keen to participate in this show, please reply yes to this email and you will receive further information as it becomes available.

email to squaredup@reyburn.co.nz