1605 days ago

From clay we are made and breathe – new “Al2O3 2SiO2 2H2O” ceramics exhibition

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

The exciting diversity of the world of New Zealand pottery will be showcased in an exhibition running from early next month at the Taupō Museum and Art Gallery.

The exhibition is titled “Al2O3 2SiO2 2H2O”, the chemical name of kaolinite, a group of minerals that primarily form clay. It features fascinating works by kiwi artists Fiona Tunnicliffe, Maureen Alison, Janet Smith, Duncan Shearer, Ross Palmer, Trish Seddon, Lissie Brown, Mike O Donnell, Annette Bull and Kirsty Gardiner.

Fiona, an award-winning potter who is curating the exhibition, said there has been a resurgence of clay in the last couple of years.

“Whether it was lockdown boredom or ‘the Great pottery throw down’, an interest in self-sufficiency or an awareness of buying local and hand-made, classes are full, and kilns and wheels are changing hands with an enthusiasm that hasn’t been seen since the 1960s.”

The hope is that this exhibition shows some of the diversity that is the clay workers’ world - from functional domestic wear that is made to be held and used, to sculpture and decorative art to be kept away from cats and small children, she said.

Al2O3 2SiO2 2H2O runs from 7 August to 20 September at the Main Gallery of the Taupō Museum. There will be an opening for the exhibition on Friday August 6 at 5.30pm. The Museum and Art Gallery is open seven days from 10am to 4.30pm and entry is free to Taupō District residents with proof of address.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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4 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.8% Yes
    41.8% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 24.7% No
    24.7% Complete
591 votes
25 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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