The Quarry Arts Centre is a major centre of pottery and ceramics training for young people in New Zealand. We train over 500 young people each year through our after school and school holiday programs.
Based in Whangārei, the Quarry Arts Centre has been at the forefront of ceramics and pottery for over 40 years. The Quarry Arts Centre is operated by the Northland Craft Trust (a registered charitable trust) started by our founder and noted New Zealand artist Niria Yvonne Rust QSM (1922 – 2002). Yvonne Rust was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in 1983.
The Spring Retreat is strictly limited to a maximum of 12 students by Application Only. This program incudes two days in-person course delivery and four weeks virtual / online support.
About Spring Pottery Retreat (Beginners)
The Spring Pottery Retreat is a specially designed program for families that live outside of the immediate Whangārei district. This program is designed to offer a combination of distance and in-person learning in the creative and functional aspects of clay hand building, glazing and related technical practices.
Day 1 – Saturday morning
Take your time and journey towards Whangārei, enjoy the sights and experiences in and around one of the most vibrant arts hub of Te Tai Tokerau. We will provide participants with a recommended list of must do places of interest, whether you are coming from the north, south or west. We highly recommend you to take the opportunity to have lunch before arrival and drop-off.
Day 1 – Saturday 12.30pm – 1.00pm (Arrival)
Welcome, check-in and registration for course attendees. We offer a complimentary beverage and refreshment for other family members dropping off young people attending the course. Other family members and whanau are welcome to explore and embrace the historic and eclectic grounds of the Quarry Arts Centre. Visit our gallery, shop, waterfall and gardens.
Day 1 – Saturday 1.00pm – 4.00pm (Coursework / Sight Seeing)
Students commence the first stage of their intensive pottery and ceramics training in class. This is the time for other family members and whanau to visit the attractions of Whangārei and likely check-in with your overnight accommodation – motel, hotel, Air BnB or other arrangement.
Day 1 – Saturday 4.00pm – 4.15pm
Class ends and students are ready for pick-up after an intensive afternoon of learning to work with clay, construction and creation. Afterwards, sample some of our recommended local attractions or refresh at your accommodation.
Day 1 – Saturday 6.00pm – 8.00pm (Dinner optional extra)
Subject to interest and availability, we will be offering the opportunity for families to join us for an early group dinner with local artists, staff and other retreat participants at one of the many fabulous local restaurants.
Day 2 – Sunday 10.00am – 12.30pm (Coursework / Sight Seeing)
Enrolled students will return to learn the technical and creative aspects of ceramic glazing. We will provide an on site tour of our kiln facilities, ceramics shop and operations. If time allows, students will be able to commence planning and developing their next ceramic projects and future learning opportunities. Finally, students will receive a briefing from our on-site gallery manager on the curatorial considerations of ceramic exhibition.
Day 2 – Sunday 12.30pm – 1.00pm (Closing Ceremony)
Families and whanau are encouraged to join us for a special closing ceremony to acknowledge the achievement of students in this intensive weekend program. The closing ceremony will include a certificate of completion presentation and reflection on their work. We will provide a recap of the intensive learning program, next steps and applications for future programs.
Day 2 – Sunday after 1.00pm
You are then welcome to pickup some lunch in the City and depart for your journey home.
Next steps
- Clay work created on Day 1 will be kiln fired within 10 – 14 days
- After the kiln firing, we will courier the completed clay works (bisque) to you including a sample ceramic glazing kit and return courier postage (inclusive)
- Completed glazed ceramic work from Day 2 will also be returned to you in the same package
- Once the bisque work we send back to you is glazed at home, simply courier the work back to us, we will put that through our kilns and return again to you via courier.
- After the completion of the course and final kiln firings, students will have the opportunity for a final online Zoom consultation with our tutor and staff on the outcomes of their work, guidance and assistance with planning for further training opportunities.
Following the formal conclusion of the Spring Retreat Program, we will continue to offer opportunities for ongoing materials delivery (e.g. clay), glazes, kiln firing and Zoom online consultations (for purchase).
Students that continue to display enthusiasm and talent will receive priority invitations for our advanced Summer program and Excelling Program in 2022.
All proceeds go towards supporting the operations of the Northland Craft Trust to promote and foster the next generation of local and global artists.
The Spring Retreat investment per student is $380* which includes (in summary):
– Intensive coursework on Saturday and Sunday
– Clay and glazing required during the course
– Kiln firing (x1) and Glaze kiln firing (x2)
– Courier deliveries to complete the coursework as described
– Glazing sample kit
– Online Zoom consultations
Refer to our terms and conditions for more details.
*10% discount available to enrolled students of the same address for courier deliveries and post course consultations
Application Criteria and Requirements
- Outline your young persons interest in ceramics and pottery
- Provide examples from other art mediums they have developed and created
- Explain why they feel this program would benefit them
- Confirm your ability (as parent/guardian) to support the travel arrangements (transport, accommodation and costs)
- Confirm the commitment to the post in-person retreat coursework
- Dates you are available and flexible to attend on the weekends of 6/7, 13/14, 20/21 or 27/28 November 2021
Email applications to workshops@quarryarts.org
