Our Classes
The Canterbury Potters workshop is set in the gardens of the Avice Hill Reserve gifted to the community by Mrs Hill in 1989.
Equipment available for instruction includes electric wheels, clay extruder, slab roller, spray booth and work is fired in electric, gas and raku, kilns.
Both novice and experienced potters are catered for in small group classes. This allows personal attention and one on one learning. The tutors are all established practitioners with proven track records in teaching and exhibiting their pottery. Beginners are instructed in a wide range of techniques but with growing experience, they are encouraged to pursue their own personal style.
Student work is fired weekly and a small charge is made to cover firing and glazing costs. We will provide tuition at other times for groups of ten or more adult, secondary or primary level students.
We also run children’s classes during term time. If there is sufficient demand we will also run classes during the school holidays.
Clay and other materials may be purchased from the tutor. All class fees must be paid prior to the start of term or at the first class by arrangement with the tutor.
The Canterbury Potters Association holds lectures and workshops throughout the year on contemporary and historical aspects of pottery. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend these.
Please see the list below of available classes, tutor information and contact details. These class run according to the school term.
Enrolments
To enrol or enquire please contact the tutor of the class you wish to enrol. You will find their contact details listed with the class information below.
2025 Classes:
Tutor: Jane McCulla
Pottery wheel, hand-building techniques taught. Advice on various techniques and surface treatments. Individual projects encouraged. Beginner to Intermediate level.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 03 Feb - 24 Mar | 8 wks | $200 |
| Term 2 | 28 Apr - 23 Jun *no class King's B'day (2 Jun) | 8 wks | $200 |
| Term 3 | 4 Aug - 22 Sep | 8 wks | $200 |
| Term 4 | 6 Oct - 1 Dec *no class Labour Day (27 Oct) | 8 wks | $200 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
e: janemcculla@gmail.com
p: 022 635 3911
About the tutor:
Originally from Northern Ireland, I gained a 1st Class BA Hons Fine & Applied Art at the University of Ulster in Belfast before immigrating to NZ with my family in 2009. I teach classes and workshops around NZ and regularly at Canterbury Potters Association. I was Regional Council Member for Canterbury/Westland and Vice President for Ceramics Association of New Zealand for a number of years. My ceramic art has been exhibited both in group and solo shows in the UK, Ireland and NZ. I have also undertaken public art commissions, one of which is the Lyttel People Mandala at Albion Sq, Lyttelton. I have been the recipient of many awards for my ceramic pieces including a Portage Merit Award 2013 and my work is held in both public and private collections worldwide.
Find out more about Janes practice by visiting www.janemccullaceramics.com
Tutor: Jane McCulla
Pottery wheel, hand-building techniques taught. Advice on various techniques and surface treatments. Individual projects encouraged. Beginner to Intermediate level.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 03 Feb - 24 Mar | 8 wks | $200 |
| Term 2 | 28 Apr - 23 Jun *no class King's B'day (2 Jun) | 8 wks | $200 |
| Term 3 | 4 Aug - 22 Sep | 8 wks | $200 |
| Term 4 | 6 Oct - 1 Dec *no class Labour Day (27 Oct) | 8 wks | $200 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
e: janemcculla@gmail.com
p: 022 635 3911
About the tutor:
Originally from Northern Ireland, I gained a 1st Class BA Hons Fine & Applied Art at the University of Ulster in Belfast before immigrating to NZ with my family in 2009. I teach classes and workshops around NZ and regularly at Canterbury Potters Association. I was Regional Council Member for Canterbury/Westland and Vice President for Ceramics Association of New Zealand for a number of years. My ceramic art has been exhibited both in group and solo shows in the UK, Ireland and NZ. I have also undertaken public art commissions, one of which is the Lyttel People Mandala at Albion Sq, Lyttelton. I have been the recipient of many awards for my ceramic pieces including a Portage Merit Award 2013 and my work is held in both public and private collections worldwide.
Find out more about Janes practice by visiting www.janemccullaceramics.com
Tutor: Abigail Tonks
This is an intermediate level wheel class that will meet you where you’re at and take you where you want to go. In addition to refining current skills, you will be introduced to multi-part projects such as lidded vessels, cake plates, and techniques for throwing big. We will also cover glazing and surface decoration using wax resist and underglazes, as well as traditional glazes. Bring me all of your burning pottery questions, and we’ll find the answers! My aim is to create a positive and supportive learning environment that pushes you beyond your edges when you are ready to take the leap.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 03 Feb - 24 Mar | 8 Weeks | $185 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
e: abbytpottery@gmail.com
p: 027 3108699
About the tutor:
Originally from Vermont, USA, I’ve been making pottery for nearly 30 years, and teaching wheel throwing since 2009. I still remember the first time I saw a potter make a vase at the wheel. It was pure magic, and it became an obsession of mine to achieve a similar sense of ease at the wheel. I went on to study ceramics at the University of Vermont, and I have always remained closely connected with fellow ceramicists through community studios throughout Vermont.
My focus has always been on creating high quality pots which embody both form and function seamlessly. My surfaces tell a kind of story, not only of my love of nature, but also my love of the material itself by allowing its natural beauty to shine through the glazed surface. Each piece represents an attempt to discover a spontaneous beauty and grace, and hopefully, this effort unfolds as a kind of quiet conversation with the user of my pots. I love working with students to uncover their own personal strengths with this medium, and I look forward to helping them advance their skills.
Tutor: Penny De Jong
Although I was born in UK, I was bought up in South Africa and spent a further 10 years as an adult living in Botswana. My love of pottery began with a one off class with a friend, and led me to completing the Diploma of Ceramic Art through Otago Polytech. I am constantly learning new techniques and refining my abilities, and one of my greatest pleasures is passing on the information and skills that I have acquired along the way. I also have an interest in alternative firing techniques. My work is exhibited at the Liffey Gallery in Lincoln where I also regularly hold exhibitions. I teach beginner ceramics adult education classes at Hagley College, offer workshops and private classes in my own studio. www.aprettypenny.co.nzTerm dates 2025: Beginner Wheel Throwing
This course is designed for complete beginners or those very new to the wheel to learn how to throw forms on a potter’s wheel.
The various techniques will be demonstrated for preparing clay for throwing, making and finishing off of wares, and basic decorating and glazing techniques.
| Term 1 | 11 Feb - 01 Apr | 8 weeks | $185 |
| Term 2 | 06 May- 24 Jun | 8 weeks | $185 |
| Term 3 | 22 Jul - 09 Sep | 8 weeks | $185 |
| Term 4 | No Classes |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
Email: pennydejongnz@gmail.com
Mobile: 027 764 2202
Tutor: Kay Zhang
Aimed at ages 9 - 15 this class has four projects per term which students will be guided through. The class fee includes the tools, clay, underglaze and firings.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 11 Feb - 1 Apr | 8 wks | $250 |
| Term 2 | 29 Apr - 17 Jun | 8 wks | $250 |
| Term 3 | 22 Jul - 9 Sep | 8 wks | $250 |
| Term 4 | 14 Oct - 2 Dec | 8 wks | $250 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
Tutor: Hugh Rickard
Beginners to advanced. Each term begins with a different aspect of hand building before moving onto throwing on the wheel. Once students have mastered the basics they have the freedom to move on and pursue their own project work.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 04 Feb - 08 Apr | 10 wks | $195 |
| Term 2 | 29 Apr - 24 Jun* TBC | 10 wks | $195 |
| Term 3 | 15 Jul - 16 Sep* TBC | 10 wks | $195 |
| Term 4 | 07 Oct - 08 Dec* TBC | 10 wks | $195 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
e: hugh.rickard1@gmail.com
p: 03 326 5054
About the tutor:
I'm a trained teacher, most recently for 2 years in Japan, and understand and appreciate the requirements of adult students.
My aim is for the classes to be welcoming and enjoyable, for students to get a sense of achievement and produce items 'that they can be proud of'. I see my role as tutor to be there to assist in the early stages, esp on the wheel... but then to the step back, and just be someone students can go to for advice and further guidance.
Of course alongside the Tuesday night classes I'm also looking to establish a raku firing group at CPA... and of course, when it suits, students are able to participate in that also.
Tuesday night groups final firing for 2021.
A selection of items: beginners through to intermediate student work... some great results.
Tutor: Hugh Rickard
This class is designed for intermediate to advanced students. Those who are looking to extend/broaden their skillset, practice their craft and/or move in new directions.
As such students are expected to have mastered the basics, and the class is designed for them to have the freedom to move on and pursue their own work as they wish. I'm here to provide advice, instruction and encouragement - and as often as not, it is a 'shared learning' environment for all.
With a 2.5-hour time slot, the class is relaxed and there's always time for morning tea in the mix.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 06 Feb - 10 Apr | 10 wks | $195 |
| Term 2 | 01 May - 26 Jun | 10 wks | $195 |
| Term 3 | 17 Jul - 18 Sep | 10 wks | $195 |
| Term 4 | 09 Oct - 10 Dec | 10 wks | $195 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
e: hugh.rickard1@gmail.com
About the tutor:
I'm a trained teacher and understand as well as appreciate the requirements of adult students. I've been potting now for almost 25 years; have won multiple awards - but for me, the making/learning journey is what it's all about.
My aim is for the classes to be welcoming and enjoyable, for students to get a sense of achievement and produce items 'that see them develop further'.
My role as a tutor is to be there to assist; at this level, participants should have moved beyond 'mere student status'. I'm there for advice and further guidance.
Tutor: Josie Backhouse
A class for children aged 8 - 13 years old who would like to play with clay in a relaxed and creative environment. Class size limited.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 30 Jan - 27 Mar | 10 wks | $300 |
| Term 2 | 1 May - 26 Jun | 9 wks | $300 |
| Term 3 | 17 Jul - 11 Sep | 9 wks | $300 |
| Term 4 | 9 Oct - 4 Dec | 9 wks | $300 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
About the tutor:
Visual artist experimenting with clay, check out her work @josephineb_ceramics
Tutor: Alyse Oliver
Beginners wheel class. This weekly class will focus on the core skills necessary for wheel thrown pottery. Students will be introduced to working on the wheel and to basic clay forms as they become confident.
Term dates 2025:
| Term 1 | 13 Feb - 10 Apr | 9 wks | $180 |
| Term 2 | 1 may - 26 Jun | 9 wks | $180 |
| Term 3 | 24 Jul - 18 Sep | 9 wks | $180 |
| Term 4 | 16 Oct - 11 Dec | 9 wks | $180 |
Enrolments:
To enrol, make an enquiry, or request to go on a class waiting list, please contact the class tutor:
e: alyseoliver@hotmail.com
About the tutor:
Alyse is one of our very experienced tutors who makes beautiful domestic ware and has a huge amount of technical knowledge around glazing and glaze preparation. You can see some of her work on Instagram @alyseoliver.