Back
1604 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.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
19 hours 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.

Image
1 day 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.

Image
Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.8% Yes
    40.8% Complete
  • 33.7% Maybe?
    33.7% Complete
  • 25.5% No
    25.5% Complete
463 votes