The Raku Workshop
About this Event
Get ready to play with fire.
Join us for a two-part, hands-on Raku experience where you'll make your own ceramic pieces, then come back to glaze, fire, and pull them straight from a roaring kiln.
Raku is a low-fire ceramic technique with roots in 16th-century Japan, where Raku ware was developed in connection with the Japanese tea ceremony. Today, Raku has evolved into an experimental firing process known for its speed, unpredictability, intense heat, smoke, and dramatic surface effects. Instead of waiting for a piece to slowly emerge from a kiln days later, you get to be part of the action.
Part One: Hand-Building
Thursday, September 10 | 6–8:30 PM
Context Collective
We'll start by getting our hands in the clay. You'll receive approximately 3 lbs of clay and basic instruction in hand-building techniques to create 1–2 pieces for the firing. No prior ceramic experience is necessary, and all levels are welcome. This workshop is about experimenting, getting your hands dirty, and making something of your own, not creating a perfect piece.
We'll take care of the bisque firing between sessions and transport your work to Waterbrook Pottery for the Raku firing.
Part Two: Raku Firing
Sunday, September 20 | Starting at 12 PM
Waterbrook Pottery Studio, Watervliet, NY
This is where things get fiery.
You'll have the option to glaze your pieces before participating in the Raku firing. We'll load the kiln together, fire the pieces for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, and then pull them from the kiln while they're glowing hot. From there, we'll experiment with different reduction techniques including horsehair, feathers, or using combustibles enclosed reduction in garbage bins.
The process is fast, smoky, unpredictable, and hands-on. You'll see your pieces transform in real time and have the opportunity to participate in every stage of the firing.
What's Included
- Raku clay
- 1–2 hand-built pieces
- All tools and materials
- Glazes
- Bisque firing
- Raku firing
- Combustible materials
- Instruction and guidance
- Gloves for the firing
A note about Day 1:
The goal of this workshop is to be part of the Raku firing on Day 2. If you have prior clay experience or cannot attend the September 10 hand-building session, you can pick up your clay and make your pieces independently. Clay can be picked up Saturday September 5, 11am - 4pm. Finished pieces must be dropped off at Context Collective by Saturday, September 12 11am - 4pm so we have time to bisque fire and transport them to Waterbrook.
What to Wear for Raku Day
Raku involves extreme heat, open flame, and smoke. Please wear closed-toe shoes and natural fabrics such as cotton or denim. Gloves will be provided. If you have a respirator and are sensitive to smoke, you're welcome to bring it.
Limited spots available.
Come for the clay. Stay for the fire. Leave with something you made and a pretty good story about how you fired it.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 55.20 to USD 92.55
