Playing with Fire: Raku and Beyond

January 10th–February 7th

5-WEEK WORKSHOP | SUNDAYS | 10AM-1PM

Discover the exciting world of alternative firing techniques in this hands-on, five-week workshop! Explore the art and science of low-fire ceramics as you experiment with unique surface treatments, including raku, horsehair, obvara, and copper reduction.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of atmospheric firing, kiln design, and firing techniques while creating your own body of work specifically for these processes. With guidance from your instructor, you’ll participate in multiple firings, explore different surface effects, and gain the confidence to take a more active role in the firing process.

From dramatic metallic finishes to organic patterns created by smoke and fire, each technique offers exciting and often unpredictable results!

Skill Level: No experience required! Whether you’re new to alternative firing or looking to expand your ceramic skills, this workshop offers an opportunity to experiment, learn, and embrace the unexpected.

Workshop Includes:

  • Five weeks of instruction and hands-on experience

  • Multiple atmospheric firing sessions

  • Access to studio tools, glazes, and equipment

  • Firing fees and storage space

  • Open studio hours

  • 20% discount on clay

Come ready to experiment, get a little adventurous, and discover what happens when clay meets fire!

Class Syllabus

  • Class Syllabus

    • Class Meeting Dates/Times:

      • Class 1: November 14, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

      • Class 2: November 21, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

      • Break: No class on the week of November 28

      • Class 3: December 5, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

      • Class 4: December 12, 6-10pm

      • Class 5: December 13, 6-10pm

      • Class 6: December 16, 5-7pm

    What's included:

    • 25 lbs. of Cone 6-10 clay

    • All bisque ware & glaze ware within 25 lbs kiln fired

    • Use of the studio tools and equipment

    • Storage shelf

    • Access to Studio Cone 6 glazes


    Open Studio Access for Students (outside of class):

    Monday to Friday: 1:00pm–5:00pm

    Saturday & Sunday: 1:00–4:00pm

    Your pieces must be picked up within 30 days or they will become The Clay Co-op property.

  • COLLECTING YOUR WORK

    Your pieces must be picked up within 30 days at the end of the workshop or they will become The Clay Co-op property.

    LIABILITY

    The Clay Co-op and its employees are not liable or responsible for any accidental injury to students or any loss or damage to personal possessions.

    PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO

    The Clay Co-op reserves the right to take photographs and video footage during classes that may include students and to use the photographs and videos for the purpose of advertising our classes in all media in perpetuity and without payment to students.

    INFORMING OTHER PARTICIPANTS OF TERMS & CONDITIONS

    It is the responsibility of the person booking the class to inform other students participating of the Terms & Conditions.

    FINISHED WORK

    All care is taken to ensure students' pieces are made well, however, due to the inherent nature of this medium, Clay Co-op cannot be held responsible for any undesirable outcomes, including crackage, breakage, misfires, or something not turning out how you hoped.

  • Refunds will only be given if the request is made one week prior to the beginning of the class or workshop. There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee. No refunds will be issued after that time if a student withdraws. If The Co-op cancels a class or workshop up to the date of the first class for any reason, we will issue a full refund or credit.

    Class attendance is not mandatory. The Clay Co-op will not issue refunds if a registered student misses class(es). Make-ups are permitted, but not guaranteed. All make-ups must be scheduled ahead of time with the office and can only be scheduled if there is room in a similar class. Make-ups must happen prior to a new session beginning. Students are allowed no more than two make-up classes per session.