Alan Rhodes Pottery

25/02/2025

This morning (Tuesday 25th Feb) Alan lit the kiln for the next glaze firing, by late tomorrow afternoon we will see the results. With the Mercury Bay Art Escape beginning on the 1st March, we are hoping for a better firing than we have been getting recently. Ups and downs are to be expected in this business!

11/01/2025

A big thank you to all the people who have helped me and encouraged me to fix my clay problems over the past 6 weeks. I am now up and running again. Looking forward to getting my pottery out to the people. Ross and Sandy and Maurice at Turama Ahi, Caroline and Carrick, Ron the Egan, Carroll and Lorne, my son Dave. Thanks to you all

27/10/2024

Bisque firing after renovating the new/old Cotter kiln. It came out well especially with the repaired back wall. It took 7 hours to get to 1000°C. Next firing will be a glaze

08/06/2024

Alan is doing a slow fire today of the slightly damp raw pots, for a bisque firing tomorrow

07/06/2024

We've got some exciting news! 🥳

About 20 odd years ago we used to run a pottery homestay called 'The Potters Vacation'. Potters would come and stay at our place for a week or so, with unlimited use of our pottery workshop, and we'd give them the full Coromandel hospitality! 🌊

It was an opportunity for a pottery inspired holiday, with plenty of time to make pots & exchange ideas and get guidance from Alan (not formal teaching). We had potters from all over the world book the homestay, and made some lovely friends along the way! 😀 🌏

Now 20 years later, we've decided to do it again!

So here's The Potters Vacation: A unique homestay experience at Alan Rhodes Pottery for mid-level - experienced potters/ceramicists.

Please help us spread the word to your overseas friends, or anyone who might be interested, by sharing this post ❤ thank you!

04/06/2024

New kiln being organised, bringing it home was quite a mission

01/03/2024

We all had a great evening at the Gala opening for the Mercury Bay Art Escape , great art on the walls

29/02/2024

Getting close now, thank you to all the set-up helpers

Each member exhibits one work in the Showcase exhibition held in conjunction with our Open Studios. Here is a sneak peek of one corner. Grateful thanks to our curators Brian Thor part owner of The Wharf Gallery, Raglan and Dyana Wells. Also thanks to our trusty installer, Tairua woodwork member Tim Aldrich and Hahei jeweller member Meg Auth for her work behind the scenes. The exhibition opens 1 March 6pm at Hot Waves Cafe, Hot Water Beach and is on until 9 April.

20/02/2024

Getting the dried pots down from the drying rack under the plastic roof, all bone dry now, and into the kiln for bisque firing

13/02/2024

12/02/2024

The beginning of the potting process starts with digging the clay from this pit at the back of our carpark. Then it's mixed with water, forced into the filter press for about 5 days, then cut out into slices, brought up to the studio where the throwing and firing takes place.

06/02/2024

It's nearly that time again for the Mercury Bay Art Escape! Signs are up, artists are busy, and the roads are all open!

It's just a month until our Open Studios. Artists are busy in their studios preparing to welcome you.
See all artists and events at https://www.mercurybay-artescape.com/