Class Length: One day, 10am – 2pm on Saturday, June 14th
Class Description:
The raku technique involves taking glazed ceramics out of a red hot kiln and placing them in metal containers with combustible materials such as sawdust or newspaper. A tight lid is placed on the hot pot inside the container. This reduction technique develops a myriad of colors within the glaze, crackle patterns, metallic surfaces, and unpredictable pots! Raku glazes are never food safe because they are not durable glass and often have high metal content. Raku glazes are also rarely watertight. Raku pots are for enjoying the process as well as the artwork on a fireplace mantel or as a showpiece.
We will fire the kiln at least two times during our workshop. This will take time. Be prepared to help in all facets of this process, but there will be time to relax while the firing occurs. When you help pull red hot pots from a kiln, you will need cotton clothing, hair ties, and a strong heat tolerance. The area will be smokey as we put pots in metal cans and reduce them with burning combustibles. This is an active environment where attention to heat, people, and processes is needed. It’s a blast!
Raku Workshop Participation:
We start glazing at 10:00am. The cut-off time to glaze is at 11am. Be sure to get here on time! After glazing, we will fire the kiln until all the work is done – usually around 2-3 hours after the start time! Glazes are provided. This is a rain or shine event. Our staff will be facilitating and present to fire the kilns and answer questions. Come explore this unpredictable, smokey, exhilarating art form.
Age Limitations: Ages 16 through adult
Supplies: BYOB – Bring your own BISQUEWARE! Bring your pots that have already gone through the bisque kiln. There is a limit of 6 small to medium-sized bisque vessels per person. (Small equals 5” or smaller/ Medium equals up to 8”/ larger than this counts for two pieces. NO FLAT WORK.) Early arrival is encouraged to ensure your pieces have the best chance to get fired! All participating students should wear cotton clothing, use hair ties to tie back long hair, and will be required to wear protective gloves when unloading their pots.
Teachers: Visiting Guest Instructor Brian Grow and Deb Balestreri
Seating Limit: 6
Tuition: $115
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