First Thursdays: Draw on a Ceramic Plate with Iulia Simtion

This is a creative and relaxing workshop where you'll learn to draw on a ceramic plate using underglaze pencils, guided by a photograph of your choice. Iulia will begin by demonstrating how she created her "Postcards from Devonport" mug series and teach you how to use the same technique to transfer your own image onto a plate. Bring a printed photo you'd love to transform into a timeless keepsake (or email us one and we’ll print it for you) — we'll provide the ceramic plates, underglaze pencils, and light refreshments to enjoy while you work. After the session, your plate will be clear glazed and kiln-fired to create a beautiful, food-safe finish. Once fired, you'll be invited back to collect your personalized ceramic artwork, ready to display or use at home. No prior experience necessary!

Tickets are $80 and cover all materials and refreshments provided by our partners Toi Toi wines & Swiftsure NZ. 

This workshop is suitable for ages 13+

Koha will be accepted upon entry. 

About Iulia Simtion

Iulia is a Romanian-born ceramic artist and teacher. Iulia’s journey with pottery began as a teenager in the United States, where she was first introduced to hand building techniques. Years later, after a legal career in her native Romania and retraining as a teacher at the University of Auckland, Iulia reconnected with clay and fell deeply in love with the craft. For Iulia, working with ceramics is both a generous creative outlet and a steady source of positive energy.

In recent years, Iulia has been teaching pottery on the wheel. She also enjoys working on her own clay projects in her small home studio. Recently she has been working on a series of water pitchers inspired by Romanian folk art.