The founding of the Mt Pleasant Pottery Group dates back to 1960 when the group operated from a humble hut…
Our community pottery club is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive space for all individuals interested in pottery. We strive to foster a creative and inclusive environment, encouraging the exploration and development of craft, techniques, and knowledge.
Our mission is to promote the art of pottery and to inspire members to create unique and meaningful works of art. Our aim is to build a strong community of potters connected by sharing and engaging with each other's passion and knowledge while giving back to the community through various outreach and educational programs.
In the beginning…
The founding of the Mt Pleasant Pottery Group dates back to 1960 when the group operated from a humble hut on the opposite side of the road from its current location at the Mt Pleasant Community Centre. The group, originally known as Betty Crocker Potters, utilized commercially available materials from Smith & Smith instead of relying on the traditional methods of obtaining them from the earth.
The vision of the founding members was to foster friendship, work together, and educate future generations about the art of ceramics. After more than six decades, this pursuit has come to fruition, and the group remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering the pottery community.
It takes a village…
After the 2011 earthquake, the clubrooms at our Mt. Pleasant Community Centre were deemed unsafe and remained so for several years, challenging times for our beloved Christchurch. Despite the circumstances, class activities continued to a limited extent in a private studio belonging to one of our members. With workshops also being held as part of the Otago Polytech Diploma in Ceramics distance learning. We owe a debt of gratitude to Shona Clarkson for her dedication to keeping these group activities going.
In 2016, we were sadly unable to return to our original club rooms. However, a small but devoted group of members relocated to the Phillipstown Hub and started rebuilding. We began in a modest classroom with a kiln shed out back. We are immensely thankful; to all those whose passion and love have kept our group thriving.
Build it and they will come…
As we commemorated our 60th anniversary in 2020, we secured the lease for the Community Building at Te Rae Kura in Redcliffs Park. This bright and airy building will serve as a permanent sanctuary for pottery enthusiasts.
We would be remised if we did not acknowledge the efforts of Leigh-Ann & Renate. It was no mean feat to secure this sanctuary. The time, effort, compassion & care these two women volunteered to the club are the pillars on which the club has rebuilt itself.
The group is flourishing, offering regular classes, club days, weekend workshops, and more. We aim to uplift and support our community beyond the clay realm and to make a positive impact aspiring to cultivate a broader community in Ōtautahi.
-
![]()
‘Holidays fly in a pottery shed’, Starlets Corner, The Christchurch Star, Friday, 4 September 1970, p.5. Newspaper caption: Potters in the making. From left, Peter Tomkins, Jeffrey Smith, Philip Henderson, Jonathan Sowden, Leon Fox, Kieran Fitzgerald and Robert Ivin.
-
![]()
A group of young girls doing pottery at a pottery shed at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre. Appeared with article: [Frame 5] ‘Holidays fly in a pottery shed’, Starlets Corner, The Christchurch Star, Friday, 4 September 1970, p.5. Newspaper caption: The girls have a turn. From left, Tracey Balmer, Melanie Powley, Tracy Williams, Sarah Tritt, Tracy McCready, Christine Donald.
-
![]()
Lois Hammond and Wendy Parish with pottery at a pottery shed at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre. Appeared with article: [Frame 9] ‘Holidays fly in a pottery shed’, Starlets Corner, The Christchurch Star, Friday, 4 September 1970, p.5. Newspaper caption: Lois Hammond (left) and Wendy Parish show some of their finished models, a flower trough and a wall vase.
-
![]()
EQ activities at Bishopdale. We owe a debt of gratitude to Shona Clarkson for her dedication to keeping these group activities going while the club was misplaced after the 2011 earthquakes.
-
![]()
The Mt Pleasant Community Centre was an ideal venue to have our first exhibition since before the 2011 earthquakes and we thank them for hospitality. October 2019.
-
![]()
In 2020 we secured the lease for the Community Building at Te Rae Kura in Redcliffs Park. It takes a village and what a dedicated village we have. Photo taken after the big move.
-
![]()
Meet the zealous students behind our first 'All Classes Student Exhibition' 2021. From left, Stacey Rod, Angy Chen, Chris Beeby & Jocelyn Farquhar.
Meet the Committee
Meet the Tutors
-
![]()
Alex Prentice
Alex has spent over two decades mastering the art of pottery. He takes pride in sharing his knowledge and expertise with his students, especially experimenting & developing glazes.
-
![]()
Renate Galetzka
Meet Renate, an award-winning ceramicist whose passion is on the wheel; her work is meticulous. She shares her expertise through classes, workshops, and demos.
-
![]()
Di MacDonald
Di’s interest in pottery bloomed in the ’70s & most enjoys working on the wheel. Di has produced tableware from many NZ retailers, including Ballantynes.
-
![]()
Lesley Towart
Lesley quickly realised on her pottery journey that her interest lay in hand-building. Lesley enjoys surface texture which guides her to experiment with glazes.
-
![]()
Shona Clarkson
Shona’s work is incredibly dynamic & a testament to her nearly 40 years of experience. Her current specialty is large pieces coiled or hand built with soft slips & warm colors.
