Join us on a full exploration of raku ceramics "from start to finish"!

Raku is a dramatic ceramic process where pots are fired in a small kiln to about 1800F. At peak temperature, the pots are removed from the kiln and placed in a "burn barrel" containing combustible organic materials that immediately ignite from the heat of the pottery. This process creates surfaces ranging from black to turquoise to intense red/bronze to beautiful white crackle.

Students will begin the process in Sweetwater's state-of-the-art ceramics studio on Friday, July 16th learning to create unique ceramic pieces inspired by and designed for nature such as a bird feeder, a planter with tray, or a flower vase! For beginners, templates are available. Advanced students may come with ideas and make work on the wheel. Completed pieces will then be bisque-fired at Sweetwater and ready for raku firing the following weekend.

In the second part of the course, students will meet on Saturday, July 16th at Fern Hollow Nature Center to complete the process. Sweetwater will have the pieces you created the previous week there waiting for you!

With oversight from Sweetwater's Professional Ceramic Teaching Artist, students will experience the raku firing process hands-on! Watch as the embers glow in the dusk surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Nature Center.

Wearing Kevlar-lined welding gloves, students will remove their red-hot glowing piece directly from the fire using tongs and place them in the awaiting vessel ("burn barrel") where the true magic happens during oxygen deprivation. A truly unique experience - no two pieces are alike!

Please contact Erin at ecory@sweetwaterartcenter.org or by phone at 412-741-4405 Ext. 100 with questions.