Active Arts Taupō, a non-profit arts organisation that offers a communal, collaborative environment for painters, mixed media artists and potters, has recently successfully applied for funding from a Taupō District Council community grant for kiln maintenance and to purchase essentials that will help beginner potters make beautiful and functional pieces.
Active Arts has 50 members, with just under half being potters. New members often sign-up following pottery workshops run by Quirky Pottery that uses the Active Arts studio. Secretary Jade Jones says it’s important to help new potters make something they can be proud of quickly.
“We were able to purchase some forms and moulds for hand building bowls and platters, and glazes to finish them. These are so good for our beginner members because you can easily make something really beautiful and useful. When you’re starting out, those quick wins encourage you to keep going.”
Pottery is a tactile hands-on craft that lets you take a break from screens and the busyness of daily life. Jade says her favourite thing about pottery is using the wheel to create pieces. “It’s so therapeutic. I can shut my mind off and just focus on what’s in front of me.”
The funding also supported essential kiln maintenance. Clay needs to be heated to extremely high temperatures (982 to 1315 degrees Celsius) to make the pieces last, whether they’re functional dishware or intricate sculptures.
“We’re doing three or more kiln firings in a week. We really need our kilns to keep operating so we can finish our pieces. The funding also allowed us to get better quality kiln shelves that result in less glaze sticking and breakages,” Jade says.
Members can display their art in the gallery and sell it.
“It encourages more art in the community,” Jade says. “People can see us creating something in the studio and then buy something we’ve made that’s on display.”
The Active Arts Gallery is open December 7 to January 20 10am – 2pm daily (except for public holidays) at 5 Redoubt Street, Taupō.
Pop in to view and purchase art from local artists or chat about joining, alternatively email [email protected].
