Clay Week and four exhibitions bring a busy October to Nelson’s Suter Art Gallery

Nelson’s Suter Art Gallery is bringing ceramics, painting and opportunities to make art into its October programme, with Clay Week beginning on 3 October and a collective exhibition opening scheduled for Monday evening.

Te Aratoi o Whakatū, The Suter, will host Clay Week activities from 3 to 9 October, welcoming artists and communities from across the region and Aotearoa. The programme celebrates toi uku, or clay arts, through workshops, film screenings, talks and other activities.

For visitors, the week offers a chance to explore ceramics beyond the exhibition space, hear from artists and take part in practical sessions. It also coincides with the final days of Fired Forward Ceramics, an exhibition drawn from The Suter Collection that closes on 11 October.

Monday opening brings four exhibitions together

The gallery’s seasonal opening on Monday, 5 October will celebrate four exhibitions already on display.

The evening begins at 5pm with a kōrero featuring Michael Lett and Toni MacKinnon, followed by the collective opening at 5.30pm. The gallery is inviting attendees to RSVP.

The exhibitions span works from the gallery’s own collection, a touring painting exhibition and a presentation by Kate and Stuart Newby:

• Seen Anew: Te Arahou: A presentation of The Suter Collection, listed among the gallery’s current exhibitions from 29 August.

• Fired Forward Ceramics: Works from The Suter Collection, showing in the Potton Gallery until 11 October.

• Ian Scott: Painting New Zealand: A touring exhibition in the Ann and John Hercus Gallery, running until 6 December.

• What Song is This? Kate and Stuart Newby: Showing in the Contemplation Gallery until 25 October.

The staggered closing dates give visitors several opportunities to explore the programme, although those wanting to see Fired Forward Ceramics have a shorter window.

After-school art returns for term four

Alongside its exhibitions and events, The Suter is preparing to welcome children back for weekly after-school art classes.

The term-four Kids’ Club programme runs from 15 October to 11 December, with sessions scheduled from 3.30pm to 4.45pm for tamariki aged six to 15.

The gallery describes the classes as a supportive setting where children can develop creativity, self-expression and confidence. The programme gives young participants a regular opportunity to make art outside the school day.

Bookings are available through The Suter’s class booking service.

Adults can also take part in term-four studio classes led by artists Mark Dunstan and Lily Emo. These sessions focus on drawing, painting and mixed-media skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.

The adult programme runs over the same period, from 15 October to 11 December, with Thursday classes beginning at 1.15pm and Friday classes at 10am.

A gallery supported by its community

In its latest update, The Suter also welcomed new members to the Friends of The Suter and thanked longstanding supporters for their continued involvement.

The gallery said it was grateful to see the Friends community growing, recognising both newcomers and those who have supported it over the years.

The Suter Art Gallery and Store is at 208 Bridge Street in Nelson. Regular opening hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm, seven days a week, apart from specified public-holiday closures.

General gallery entry is free, with koha appreciated. Visitors interested in Clay Week activities, classes or Monday’s opening can contact the gallery on 03 548 4699 for programme and booking information.