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Raku Workshop

From $ 95 usd
Waiting List
Sat, May 3, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT
Main Exhibit Gallery & Art Center, 301 W Main St, Ligonier, PA Map
Dates Breakdown
Sat, May 3, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Raku Workshop

A glazing and Raku firing workshop

Saturday, May 3, 9 AM - 2 PM

This intermediate/advanced workshop is for potters 18 years and older (ages 14-17 welcome with parental supervision) proficient at working independently either hand-building or wheel-throwing--no instruction on the wheel or hand-building is provided. Prior to the firing date, you'll create several pieces using raku clay either at home or during one of our numerous Open Studio sessions. (Two of our already-scheduled Open Studios are included in the registration. Pick from April 13, 15, 16, 22, & 23. Use code RAKU25 to be exempt from the standard payment.) Your pieces must be returned to Main Exhibit no later than April 26, where they'll be bisqued in our kiln. On May 3, the magic happens! You'll arrive and glaze your bisqueware, and then dive right into the fiery Raku process on our Art Center patio. We hold this event rain or shine, so dress appropriately as most of the day will be spent outdoors. Your pieces will be ready to go home with you the same day. This workshop will take place outside; please dress accordingly. No open-toe shoes/sandals--we are dealing with fire, after all! Additionally, please bring a snack to share. Bottled water is provided.

Please Note: All pieces MUST be bisque-fired before the Glazing/Firing workshop on May 3. If finishing at home, drop off your greenware no later than April 26. Your pieces must be completely dry to be bisque-fired in time for the workshop. We are not able to accept wet greenware as this endangers other's work in the kiln. Additionally, our Open Studio sessions fill up quickly! We recommend scheduling for your preferred 2 sessions immediately following your raku registration. We are NOT able to make special exceptions or schedule private Open Studios to accommodate you. Use code RAKU25 to be exempt from the standard payment. Please contact us with questions--we are happy to help you register!

What is Raku Firing?

Raku firing is an ancient Japanese ceramics technique dating back to the 1500s. It's been used for centuries to create a unique, natural finish to works in clay. In this process, when glazed ceramics are taken from the kiln with tongs (while still glowing hot!) and placed in a flammable material, such as sawdust or newspaper, the clay body (when unglazed) or the glaze itself is starved of oxygen, creating a myriad of beautiful colors within the glaze or an elegant matte black on the clay itself. Adding horse hair or feathers can also generate interesting surface patterns. Every piece will turn out differently with a unique design and coloring, which is part of the fun! Please note that Raku fired work is NOT FOOD SAFE, but certainly makes a beautiful decoration.

Each registration per person includes:

  • Two Open Studio Sessions (available Tuesday mornings, Wednesday evenings or Sunday afternoons Schedule early! These sessions fill up fast.)
  • 12 lbs of Raku clay (No outside clay permitted)
  • Tools to borrow for the class
  • Glazes
  • Bisque-firing of your greenware
  • RAKU firing of your glazed pieces on May 3

Please Note:

  • Tuition is due with registration unless other arrangements are made. If you cancel 0-7 days before the class start date, we are able to refund your tuition ONLY if we can fill your space from our waitlist. We are not able to issue partial refunds or transfer your registration to another class. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we cannot refund your tuition once you have started the classes.
  • Pottery is a messy business! Please bring an apron or wear work clothes and shoes that can get dirty while using our studio.
  • Bring a hair tie if you have long hair. Long hair MUST be tied back for the firing process on May 3!
  • No open-toed shoes or sandals permitted in the studio.
  • Leave your rings, smartwatches, and jewelry at home. Main Exhibit Gallery & Art Center is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
Thank you for registering!


Contact us

Location

Main Exhibit Gallery & Art Center, 301 W Main St, Ligonier, PA

Classifications

Categories
  • Wheel Pottery
  • Clay
Age Groups
  • Adult
Levels
  • Level 2
Waiting List