Towards the end of 2003 the Waikato
Society of Potters was approached by the Otago Polytech to
see if we were interested in following Auckland's lead in
running the studio practice portion of their diploma of ceramics
course.
Initially we were rather unsure of the level of interest
there might be amongst our members as we needed a minimum
of six to make the project viable. When the course was advertised
we were surprised at the enthusiasm and in the event we
had to close applications when the number reached 14. The
class has members from Hamilton, Taupo and Tauranga and
meets for a full day on alternate Fridays. Waikato Society's
President Janet Smith has taken on the task of administering
the course and spends a good deal of time arranging tutors
and dealing with the Otago Polytechnic to ensure that the
students have access to the required level of training. The tutors for this year are:
- Peter Collis wheelwork
- Matt
McLean hand building
- George Andrews sculpture.
The
course is run on a part time basis and will take
four years to complete. Aspects other than studio practice
are done on line with Otago Polytechnic by the students
working on their own but with local help should they
require it. As well as the formal teaching sessions,
students are encouraged to take part, at no cost, in any
of the workshops the society might run through out the
year. So far the course has been a great success and we already
have a waiting list for next year. Students are
enthusiastic about the results they have achieved and we
intend to hold a public exhibition of work produced at the
end of the year. Jack Parle Contact: Janet Smith 07 8271888
Jack Parle 07 8554158 |
