Join us for hands-on workshops with visiting and local artists, plus exhibitions and events throughout the year.
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop with John & Carmen Hackshaw
Join experienced potters John and Carmen Hackshaw for a four-week introductory wheel throwing workshop, designed for those wanting to build confidence with the fundamentals of working on the wheel.
Over the course of the workshop, participants will learn core wheel-throwing techniques while creating simple forms such as small planters. Each participant will be able to keep three finished pieces* to take home.
Ages 13-16 are welcome with a participating adult.
Dates:
9, 16, 23 February & 2 March
Time:
Mondays, 5–7 pm
Cost:
$270 per person
*Additional pieces beyond the included three may be purchased for $5 per piece.
Valentines Day Pick & Paint
Join us this Valentine’s Day for a fun, creative Pick & Paint session — all welcome!
We’re opening up our treasure trove of bisque pottery and giving it new life. Each person gets to choose two unique pieces and transform them with colour, pattern, and plenty of personality. Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident creator, this is a relaxed, feel-good session to unwind and make something truly your own.
No experience needed — we’ll provide all the paints, tools, and guidance to help your ideas come to life. Just bring yourself and a little imagination!
Date: Saturday 14 February
Time: 10am – 12pm
Cost: $40 per person
Includes: 2 pottery pieces + all materials and glazing
Bring: Nothing – we’ve got you covered!
Spaces are limited, so grab a friend, book your spot, and enjoy a creative morning full of colour and good vibes.
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop with Rachael Felt
Join experienced potter Rachael Felt for a four-week introductory wheel throwing workshop, ideal for those looking to build confidence and develop a strong foundation on the pottery wheel.
Throughout the course, participants will learn essential wheel-throwing techniques while creating simple, functional forms such as mugs, bud vases, and bowls. Each participant will be able to keep two finished pieces to take home.*
Dates:
April 13, 20 (no workshop on April 27 – ANZAC Day)
May 4 & 11
Time:
Mondays, 5–7 pm
Cost:
$270 per person
*Additional pieces beyond the included two may be purchased for $5 per piece.
To express interest, please email rotoruapottersnewsletter@gmail.com.
A registration link will be coming soon.
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop with Rachael Felt
Join experienced potter Rachael Felt for a four-week introductory wheel throwing workshop, ideal for those looking to build confidence and develop a strong foundation on the pottery wheel.
Throughout the course, participants will learn essential wheel-throwing techniques while creating simple, functional forms such as mugs, bud vases, and bowls. Each participant will be able to keep two finished pieces to take home.*
Dates:
June 15, 22, 29 & July 6
Time:
Mondays, 5–7 pm
Cost:
$270 per person
*Additional pieces beyond the included two may be purchased for $5 per piece.
To express interest, please email rotoruapottersnewsletter@gmail.com.
A registration link will be coming soon.
Art in the Park 2026
The Rotorua Potters Group will be joining Art in the Park 2026, Rotorua’s iconic free family-friendly arts market!
Come and see our stall and explore a fantastic day of local art, live music, demonstrations, and hands-on creative fun.
Date: Sunday, 1 February 2026
Time: 9am – 2pm
Location: Government Gardens, Rotorua
Set in the beautiful Government Gardens, this event has been running for over 20 years and is a must-visit for anyone who loves art, craft, and creativity. Don’t miss the chance to meet our potters, watch live demonstrations, and get inspired by the amazing local talent!
Drawing From the Past: Sgraffito Workshop
Create your own sgraffito coaster inspired by striking mid-century designs. Guided by our workshop facilitators, you’ll explore beautiful textiles selected from the archive collections at Rotorua Library, Te Aka Mauri, and the social history collection at Rotorua Museum – Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa. Along the way, you’ll learn the art of sgraffito on clay and discover how to bring patterns and textures to life.
This workshop is open to the public and costs $30 per person. It also happens to fall on the final day of our annual exhibition—the perfect chance to celebrate the creativity of the Rotorua Potters Group while enjoying this hands-on experience.
Handbuild Your Own Herb Pot (Koha Entry)
Handbuild Your Own Herb Pot with Rotorua Potters Group!
Join us for a fun, hands-on 30-minute workshop where you can explore the joy of working with clay. Perfect for all ages, it’s a great way to get creative and experience pottery for yourself!
The workshop runs in 30-minute sessions at 11:00 am (FULL), 11:45 am (FULL), and 12:30 pm at The Arts Village (Studio 3). Suitable for ages 6 and up, pre-booking is essential as spots are limited, so be sure to secure yours early. Workshop fee is by koha, with donations appreciated.
Come along, get creative, and make your very own handmade herb pot. This workshop series is part of the Rotorua Potters Annual Exhibition, running 7 November – 5 December at The Arts Village.
Workshop Registration
Duncan Shearer Teapot Workshop (RPG Members Only)
Learn from renowned potter Duncan Shearer for a full-day workshop focused on wheel-thrown teapots.
Wheel Throwing Taster Workshop
Join Rotorua Potters Group member and tutor Eva Corson on Saturday, November 8th, from 2 pm – 4 pm for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the basics of creating pottery on the wheel.
Perfect for beginners, this two-hour session includes clay and firings, all for $60 per person.
This workshop is currently full. To be placed on the waitlist, please contact: rotoruapottersnewsletter@gmail.com.
Wheel Throwing Taster Workshop
Join Rotorua Potters Group member and tutor Eva Corson on Saturday, November 8th, from 11.30am – 1.30pm for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the basics of creating pottery on the wheel.
Perfect for beginners, this two-hour session includes clay and firings, all for $60 per person.
This workshop is now full, but a waitlist is available. A second session has been added at 2pm on the same day — click here to view it.
Kids 2-Day Carving Workshop
A creative two-day workshop designed for young potters aged 6 and up!
2025 Annual Pottery Exhibition Opening
The 2025 Annual Pottery Exhibition runs from 7 November to 5 December at The Arts Village, Rotorua. Opening night kicks off at 5.30pm on 7 November. Celebrate the creativity of local potters and explore a diverse showcase of handcrafted ceramics.
Big thanks to RPG member Sarah Kolver for her awesome photography skills, capturing the spirit of the exhibition!
Kōanga Market Stall
Rotorua Potters Group will be holding a stall at the Kōanga Markets at The Arts Village.
Come down to see the beautiful handmade creations our potters have up for sale!
Tee Pee Firing (RPG Members Event)
Join us for an exciting pit firing! For more details, contact the club or keep an eye on your emails.
Dorothy Armstrong - Handbuilding for Raku
Join us for a hands-on Raku workshop where you'll learn how to build and glaze a piece in preparation for a future Raku firing.
Carving Workshop with Ukumad
Hand-build and carve kakano (seeds) with Stevei Houkāmau, exploring whakapapa, personal stories, and Māori clay traditions over two days.
Kids Wheel Workshop
A fun, hands-on introduction to the pottery wheel for kids aged 6 and up!
Members Bonsai Session (Part Two )
The Rotorua Bonsai and Rotorua Potters Group are coming together for a two-part workshop on Bonsai pot making!
Members Bonsai Session (Part One)
The Rotorua Bonsai and Rotorua Potters Group are coming together for a two-part workshop on Bonsai pot making!
Canine Sculpture Workshop
Join us for a fun and creative pottery workshop where you’ll sculpt your very own doggo! Guided by experienced ceramic artist Mick Cassidy, you’ll learn how to capture the charm, personality, and unique quirks of your favourite furry friend in clay. Mick will share his tips, tricks, and techniques for creating expressive, characterful animal forms.
The Arts Village Haututū Day - Pottery Workshop
Pottery Workshop as part of The Arts Village’s Haututū Day
Grab N Glaze (Walk-In Session)
Pop into the studio and paint your very own piece of pottery!
A Potters Mark Exhibition
A Potters Mark Exhibition: Bay of Plenty & Waikato Wide Pottery Exhibition
Absolute Beginners Adult Wheel Session with REF Ceramics
3:00 - 5:00pm Wheel Taster Session with REF Ceramics
Absolute Beginners Adult Wheel Session with REF Ceramics
12.30 - 2.30pm Wheel Taster Session with REF Ceramics
Absolute Beginners Adult Wheel Throwing Class
Adults absolute beginners wheel throwing session