Our Story
For more than 60 years, our association has supported potters and ceramic artists in Christchurch and the Canterbury region.
We are a sociable group, interested in all aspects of ceramics, and we welcome new members who wish to share and learn more about our craft.
We offer pottery classes at every level, for adults and young people. These classes, in which many Canterbury potters began their professional careers, cater for both experienced potters and absolute beginners. You do not need to be a member of the club to attend our classes, but many of our students enjoy the benefits of membership.
We have facilities for a wide range of ceramic techniques including electric and gas kilns, electric wheels, specialist glaze room, an extensive library for reference and inspiration, plus a significant collection of work from members and visiting potters.
We have a significant collection of ceramics by notable New Zealand and overseas potters, many of which are on display. Our extensive library features books and periodicals collected by the club over 50 years; they are a valuable resource for students and members alike, for research and inspiration.
During the year, we host a variety of social events like open days, workshops, celebrations, demonstrations and special firings. In November each year, we present our annual exhibition of work at the Canterbury museum.
Our History
The Canterbury Potters Association (CPA), founded in 1963 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, marked its 60th anniversary in 2023. From modest beginnings without premises, the club has grown into a thriving hub for potters, now housed in a purpose-built studio in Avice Hill Reserve, Burnside.
The CPA’s early years were defined by a desire to connect with the global ceramics scene, hosting influential international potters like Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, and Takeichi Kawai. Initially meeting in community halls and homes, the club evolved into a teaching centre after moving into the Arts Centre in the 1970s. A major turning point came in 1984 when Avice Hill donated land and funds to support a new studio. The building opened in 1989.
Over the years, the CPA has welcomed renowned ceramicists from around the world for workshops, greatly influencing local practice. Despite challenges, including the 2010–11 earthquakes, the club remained resilient.
Today, the CPA serves over 200 members, offering classes, firings, and events. It maintains a rotating display of local and international work and continues to adapt to members' evolving needs. Its 60th anniversary was marked with a commemorative lavender garden and spirited celebrations
We are a sociable group, interested in all aspects of ceramics, and we welcome new members who wish to share and learn more about our craft.
We offer pottery classes at every level, for adults and young people. These classes, in which many Canterbury potters began their professional careers, cater for both experienced potters and absolute beginners. You do not need to be a member of the club to attend our classes, but many of our students enjoy the benefits of membership.
We have facilities for a wide range of ceramic techniques including electric and gas kilns, electric wheels, specialist glaze room, an extensive library for reference and inspiration, plus a significant collection of work from members and visiting potters.
We have a significant collection of ceramics by notable New Zealand and overseas potters, many of which are on display. Our extensive library features books and periodicals collected by the club over 50 years; they are a valuable resource for students and members alike, for research and inspiration.
During the year, we host a variety of social events like open days, workshops, celebrations, demonstrations and special firings. In November each year, we present our annual exhibition of work at the Canterbury museum.
Our History
The Canterbury Potters Association (CPA), founded in 1963 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, marked its 60th anniversary in 2023. From modest beginnings without premises, the club has grown into a thriving hub for potters, now housed in a purpose-built studio in Avice Hill Reserve, Burnside.
The CPA’s early years were defined by a desire to connect with the global ceramics scene, hosting influential international potters like Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, and Takeichi Kawai. Initially meeting in community halls and homes, the club evolved into a teaching centre after moving into the Arts Centre in the 1970s. A major turning point came in 1984 when Avice Hill donated land and funds to support a new studio. The building opened in 1989.
Over the years, the CPA has welcomed renowned ceramicists from around the world for workshops, greatly influencing local practice. Despite challenges, including the 2010–11 earthquakes, the club remained resilient.
Today, the CPA serves over 200 members, offering classes, firings, and events. It maintains a rotating display of local and international work and continues to adapt to members' evolving needs. Its 60th anniversary was marked with a commemorative lavender garden and spirited celebrations
Our Facilites
Our clubrooms are set amongst mature trees and gardens in the beautiful Avice Hill Reserve. The rooms were designed and purpose-built as a working pottery studio for teaching and working, in 1989.
As a result of a generous bequest from renowned plantswoman and collector Avice Hill, the rooms are attached to a historic two-room cottage which was part of the original Hill farm.
Main Studio
Our spacious main studio is equipped with four large work tables, a bench and sink, and plenty of storage for tools and equipment. Other equipment includes:
Our extensive library features books and periodicals collected by the club over 50 years; they are a valuable resource for students and members alike, for research and inspiration.
The studio includes designated glaze and drying rooms, kitchen and toilets. All areas are wheelchair accessible.
Clay Room
We purchase a variety of clay in bulk, and make it available to students and members. Students can purchase clay during class times.
As a result of a generous bequest from renowned plantswoman and collector Avice Hill, the rooms are attached to a historic two-room cottage which was part of the original Hill farm.
Main Studio
Our spacious main studio is equipped with four large work tables, a bench and sink, and plenty of storage for tools and equipment. Other equipment includes:
- 14 electric wheels
- electric, gas and raku kilns
- slab roller
- pug mill
- banding wheels
- extruder
Our extensive library features books and periodicals collected by the club over 50 years; they are a valuable resource for students and members alike, for research and inspiration.
The studio includes designated glaze and drying rooms, kitchen and toilets. All areas are wheelchair accessible.
Clay Room
We purchase a variety of clay in bulk, and make it available to students and members. Students can purchase clay during class times.
Our Team
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Committee Members
President – Penny de Jong Secretary – Sarah Snelling Treasurer – Wendy Hsuing Membership – Annemarie Prendeville Tutor Liaison - Jan Robertson Events – Alison Wilding Committee - Donna Yee, Kerrie McGirr, Eleanor Watkins Vice President - vacant Building and Maintenance – vacant Promotions & Social - vacant |
CPA is operated by our passionate volunteers/members. We appreciate all of their contributions.
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