Raku Workshop

With Alexis Dillon and Paul Sirofchuck

Friday, August 23 & 30, 5:30-8:30 PM | Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 AM - 2 PM (Firing)

August 23: Introduction to raku firing and wheel time to create pieces
August 30: A trimming class to help you finish up any pieces
September 7: A glazing and Raku firing workshop

In this 3-week intermediate ceramics course for students 18 years and older, pottery instructors Alexis Dillon & Paul Sirofchuck will introduce you to the basics of Raku firing! You'll dive right in on August 23 learning about the medium and creating your pieces, then finish them (trimming bases, signing, etc.) on August 30. August 23 and Sept. 7 are essential to the class, so if one of those days doesn't work for you, we suggest waiting to register for one of our future raku sessions. On Sept. 7 you'll glaze and fire your pieces in the quick, exciting, fiery Raku process! They'll be ready to go home with you the same day. Please dress for heat on the day of the firing--We do our best to mitigate the sun and heat from the kilns, but it is a hot, intense day, crazy fun day!

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:

One 3hr session on the wheel
One 3hr trimming session
12 lbs of Raku clay (No outside clay permitted)
Tools to borrow for the class
Glaze (No outside glaze permitted)
Bisque firing of your greenware
RAKU firing of your glazed pieces

All pieces MUST be bisque-fired before the Glazing/Firing workshop. If finishing at home, drop off your green ware no later than Sept 1. Your pieces must be completely dry to be bisque-fired in time for the Glazing/Firing workshop. During the final session, we’ll glaze the bisque pots and fire on-site at Main Exhibit Gallery & Art Center. This workshop will take place outdoors; please dress accordingly.

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.
Bring a hair tie if you have long hair.
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!

All workshops are held at Main Exhibit Gallery’s fully-accessible Art Center.

Entrance located at the lower level rear of the building at 301 West Main Street, Ligonier, PA.

Any Questions: 724-238-2310 | mandy@mainexhibitgallery.com