Star Glaze 2025

It's been rather chilly as of late...

... but the good news is that kilns can heat things up pretty quickly! For those who find hibernation happens best with the quiet turning of a pottery wheel, or the sound of a tool working through groggy clay, the kilns running is a bit of a treat. 

July came and went, though it wasn't amiss it's own selection of treats. Particularly, the beginning of the Māori new year. Across the motu (island), different groups, Iwi, look to the stars to acknowledge this new beginning. Here, we looked to the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters).

It is a special time to get together, to restore faith and hope for the future, to celebrate whanaungatanga (kinship), to be with others, to share stories and kai. Sharing in that spirit, members of the club came together for the annual Star Glaze Pottery event. There were many, many people about, admiring the work that all those involved dedicated themselves to. Children enjoyed giving hand-building and wheel work a go, which might one day spark them to try it again. Members helped out with information, selling work to those coming through, and created a warm atmosphere for those that attended. 

A brilliant part of the Star Glaze event is just how well it shows the expansive creative talent of those around. The event was a true reminder of the value that these events have within the community, in bringing the creative excellence out and sharing it with all of those keen to come and take it in. Kia mau te wehi! (<- "how awesome!")