Kiln donation revitalises University of Waikato clay studio

A generous donation of two kilns by a local potter has enabled the University of Waikato to restore its clay studio, and open it for community use.

Cambridge resident Elizabeth Snowdon, who’s now retired, has donated two electric kilns to the studio, based in the Faculty of Education, replacing two old kilns that had come to the end of their useful life.

The contribution by Mrs Snowdon, whose late husband had been registrar at the University of Waikato, crowns efforts by the Faculty and the ceramic community to revitalise the clay studio over recent years.

Community ceramics tutor Bev McKenzie and a volunteer team from the local ceramics community have worked to remove a gas kiln to make room for the new arrivals, and create an inviting studio space for community and university classes.

Speaking at an afternoon tea held this month at the clay studio to thank volunteers and donors for their assistance, Professor Terry Locke, Head of Arts and Language in the Faculty of Education, said the new kilns had already proved an invaluable addition to the studio’s facilities.

“Mrs Snowdon’s very generous offer is recognition of the University’s continued support for community ceramics, especially in the face of reduced government funding for community arts education.

“Kilns currently retail at around $1,000 per cubic foot, so the donation of 9.5 cubic feet of kiln space is a very significant contribution to our efforts.”

The new kilns have been installed adjacent to the making studio in a newly-converted ventilated kiln room with computerised controls.

Professor Locke said the refurbished studio now makes it possible to include clay work in the Faculty’s art education classes, as well as within the early childhood and secondary education art programme.

The clay studio was originally set up in the early years of the then Hamilton Teachers’ College by working potter and art education lecturer Eric Flegg. It was an active part of his own artistic practice, and contributed to a flourishing interest in clay work for primary school students.

Recently, Ms McKenzie has offered a clay work programme in the studio for staff and students on Wednesday lunchtimes, and community classes on Tuesdays.

The space has also been used for workshops by visiting artists, including Korean sculptor Kim Kwan Jae. A recent exchange organised by Donn Ratana, artist and art lecturer in the Faculty of Education, saw Tahitian art lecturers and students using the studio with Māori sculptor and ceramic artist Wi Taiapa.

The next community clay work programme at the University of Waikato clay studio begins on May 17. For more details, contact Bev McKenzie on bevmck@ihug.co.nz.