Description
Ceramics inspired by nature
An old age symbol of seasonal renewal and ecological awareness
Dates
Sunday 12 October 1 -3.30pm (full) | Sunday 26 October 1 -3.30pm (full) | Sunday 22 February 2026 2 – 4.30pm | Sunday 18 October 2026 10am – 12.30pm
In this ceramic workshop, we’ll bring the ancient spirit of nature to life by crafting our own Green Man tile. You’ll learn basic tile-forming techniques and how to sculpt expressive foliage and facial features, blending leaves and vines into a face that feels both wild and wise. This hands-on, earthy process is perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike. As part of Ōtautahi’s Heritage Week, we’ll explore the Green Man’s symbolism as a guardian of the natural world. Jane will take care of glazing and firing, and two weeks later you’ll collect your finished tile—glazed, imprinted with botanical patterns, and ready to display in your home or garden.
Your glazed and fired Green Man Tile will be available for collection from the Kiosk approximately 2-3 weeks following the workshop.
Tutor Jane McCulla
A ceramic artist, Jane McCulla graduated as a mature student with a 1st Class BA Hons in Fine & Applied Art at the University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2006. Immigrating to NZ with her family in 2009, she established a homebased studio in Riverton, Southland, supplying galleries with her ceramic pieces. A year later, she moved north to Christchurch.
Jane creates textured, stretched, stoneware clay vessels and forms at her home-based studio in Diamond Harbour, Canterbury. She imbues fluid textures on her stoneware pieces, suggesting geology, archaeology, and mankind’s marks on the landscape, fluxed over time.
Teaching classes and workshops throughout NZ, she also undertakes both private and public commissions, including the Lyttel People Land Art Mandala in Albion Square, Lyttelton. For over 7 years, she was involved as a Regional Council Member and Vice President of Ceramics Association of NZ.
In 2017, Jane completed a seven-week residency at The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of the world in China.
Her ceramics have been featured in various publications and exhibited in both solo and national shows in London, UK, Ireland, and NZ. Her pieces are held in both private and public collections worldwide, and she has received several awards, including a Portage Merit Award in 2013.
Take a peek at some of Jane’s creations on her facebook page
Join us at The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic GardensTe Māra Huaota o Waipapa
(Just over the footbridge from the Armagh St carpark). Free parking after 5pm
Tel: 366 6937
Email: office@chsgardens.co.nz
Facebook event link
Costs & Payment
$85 Members & Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
$105 Non-Members
$150 Bundled with a CHS Membership
Price includes all materials and self-serve tea, coffee and biscuits
Please bring along an apron or wear clothing that you are happy to get a spot or two of clay on.
Become a Member of the CHS and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops
Please note, our courses are aimed at adults. If you are under 18 please contact us before booking so we can check with our tutors. Nga mihi, CHS team
