AMY RUSS
Nelson has once again become a hub for all things earthy with the return of Nelson Clay Week (NCW), bringing a packed programme of events for the community.
Now in its third iteration, the event is the biggest gathering of potters in New Zealand, with 39 workshops attracting experienced and professional potters from around the country and overseas. Many sold out within hours, with just a handful of spaces still available and four additional workshops being offered at Whakatū Marae.
But you don’t need to be a potter to get involved. On until 9 October, 26 exhibitions and 23 showcases will have taken over galleries and windows around the region. Potters Square is on every day at 1903 Square, with free demonstrations, have-a-go-at-a-wheel, and a clay table for the kids to make little birds as part of a community sculpture.
Last weekend, hundreds came along to the Potters Market on Upper Trafalgar St, as well as the Bot Pot Potters’ Olympics Potters.
“Nelson has long been a centre for pottery, and we are embracing and sharing the creative knowledge, expertise and passion to nourish and inspire the current and future generations,” says Hiwa project manager Andy Meldrum.
As a biennial event, Hiwa (Arts Council Nelson) has been working with creative directors Jamie Smith and Thom Baker to create a celebration of pottery, as a craft, an artform and an industry that has had a massive impact on Nelson and New Zealand since the 1950s.
The duo say that the connections created during the week are just as important as the workshops themselves.
“Nelson Clay Week brings together some of the country’s best potters, to teach and to take part in the workshops. This year, we also welcome some international guests, extending our reach, and cementing this event as one of the country’s essential art gatherings,” says Thom.
“Clay Week is about spending real time with each other, and to build and slip our way to a closer community,” shares Jamie. “Of course, the workshops are at the centre of NCW, but we’ve spent just as much effort creating a massive events schedule that has appeal to everyone from experts to aficionados. We know that pottery has broad appeal, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our free events.”
Visit clayweek.co.nz for the full programme.
