Hot Clay - Kiln Gallery

Hot Clay on Nelson’s Hardy Street is a brick and mortar ceramic studio and gallery. The studio showcases New Zealand-made ceramics, and displays a selection of painting, printmaking and photography exhibits, plus offers workshops. The gallery is run by friends Jamie and Tom, who are both potters and owners of Kiln Studio, a learning and studio space a couple of blocks west on Bridge Street.

In the centre of Hot Clay sits a pottery wheel, which is occasionally occupied by a potter at work, thus enabling visitors a chance to witness the craft in action. A range of objects from hand-built sculptural pieces to wheel-thrown mugs (perfect for your morning coffee) and vases can be appreciated and purchased at the gallery.

The rear of the building houses a smaller exhibition room that occasionally hosts solo exhibitions by local and visiting ceramic artists. A coffee machine is planned for the future, as is a hosting artist residency.

Visit this light-filled gallery space and you’re bound to encounter a handmade item or two that catches your eye.  Have a chat with the friendly people behind the counter, too and learn more about the exhibited art. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet the Hot Clay resident dog, Whio, who is always up for a pat.