Where to go and what to do for flax, pottery & photography courses
Coromandel Peninsula, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier creative hubs has artists who offer workshops for where your creative side is explored. From photography weekends to pottery and flax the materials used are diverse. The Coromandel Peninsula, with its foodie destinations, phenomenal scenery from Cathedral Cove through to New Chums beach is where the soul is revived, refreshed and the spirit uplifted.
ARTY CRAFTY THINGS TO DO
DRIVING CREEK POTTERY – COROMANDEL TOWN
What a place for a beginners wheelthrown pottery course.
During this wheel throwing pottery workshop, you will learn:
- the basics of preparing the clay
- wheel throwing
- turning/trimming, and getting your pots ready for the kiln
- about the loading/unloading of the kiln
- the glazing process
Aprons provided, please wear practical working clothes.
SEASCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS – KUAOTUNU
Learn how to take pictures in the field. You will visit amazing locations and will have hands-on experience capturing striking images of a beautiful and very photogenic part of New Zealand. Our locations include New Chums Beach, Hahei and Cathedral Cove and the native forest surrounding the Pinnacles.
The photography workshop is based in Kuaotunu. The workshops are directed by Ian Preece Photography. Ian offers accommodation on our 45 acre eco-sanctuary which looks out to the Pacific. It is very private but only 20 minutes walk to the beach.
FLAX WEAVING CLASSES: WHENUAKITE
An introductory (half day) flax weaving class.
- Introduction to Maori terminology and weaving principles
- Identifying and harvesting techniques in a Paa harakeke (flax plantation)
- Preparation and the weaving of a kete taatahi/koonae (general purpose bag/container), with a choice of 3 different styles,varied finishes
- Half day or full-day sessions available, no previous experience is required. Harakeke (flax) provided. Class size 3-6.
Contact: julie.artistshouse@gmail.com
FLAX WEAVING – WHANGAMATA
Part of BRflaxweaving shared talents are occasional flax weaving classes.
Join local flax weaving artists, Bernadette Ross and Kaetaeta Watson workshops in Whangamata to learn the basics of flax weaving.
All materials supplied, max class size of 6 students.
POTTERY WORKSHOPS – THAMES
STUDIO 121 Potter Amanda Ewing at Studio 121 offers pottery classes for children and adults beginner classes throughout the year.
The pottery workshop is behind the ceramic shop in Thames, New Zealand.
Your creations are fired on the premises. Studio 121 houses an art collective.
Contact amandaewingceramics@gmail.com
POTTERY, CEMENT FONDUE, PAINTING AND FLAX WEAVING – WHENUAKITE
Gary Nevin & Julie Burns – Nevin
Artists house gallery and studio features cement fondue sculptures, pottery, painting and flax weaving.
Gary holds cement fondue workshops – minimum of 4 people and Julie teaches flax weaving courses regularly, contact below for more details.
1367 State Highway 25, Whenuakite 3591: Email: garynevin.artist@gmail.com
WEEKEND WORKSHOPS – WHANGAMATA
Once a month on a Sunday, Tony hosts a workshop for two students at Kauri Cliff Art Gallery in Whangamata, Coromandel, New Zealand.
In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn everything from how to identify a shape that hides within the wood, to sculpting, and polishing your piece. It is a unique 1-on-1 experience with a master of wood sculpting and you will learn all you need to take up wood sculpting as a hobby. New Course: Make your own jewellery. Tony has recently started offering jewellery sculpting workshops.
The details are the same as for the art sculpting classes. CONTACT Kauri Cliff Art Gallery, COURSES.
TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION
Covid19 has thrown workshop schedules into a dustheap. Check availability and websites for up to date information.
Put your name forward as a proposed attendee and monitor developments.
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