WHAT we provide
5-hour Raku session
Guided instruction
Firing of 4-5 medium-sized pots
Raku Glazes, horsehair, feathers, alpaca, sugar, firing materials
Equipment and safety gear (gloves, tongs, eye gear)
Space for this workshop is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible to ensure your participation in this valuable opportunity.
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You do not have to be a BRP member to join, but BRP members can take advantage of the member-only discount. We recommend participants purchase or use raku-specific clay from BRP studios to make and bisque their vessels to ensure the best results.
PRICING
BRP Members - $150
*Aqueous, Hayden and Beverly/Baroque Members
Non- BRP Members - $200
Tickets for Non-Members will go on sale November 15th
*There are no refunds or reschedules. We cannot change your booking once it is made.
ABOUT
The history of "horsehair raku" is deeply rooted in Native American pottery traditions, where the technique is believed to have originated accidentally when a potter's hair fell onto a hot pot while removing it from a firing, leading them to experiment with using horsehair to create decorative patterns; this is often attributed to a Pueblo woman, with stories suggesting the practice became a way to honor beloved horses by using their hair on the pottery.
This workshop is about raku firing with raku clay specifically. No other clay bodies will be allowed in our kiln.
***Please keep in mind that Raku fired pieces are purely decorative and not considered food safe or water tight.
WHAT TO WEAR
Wear comfortable clothes that are not too loose or flowy. This is a very smoky, outdoors process so choose clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or smoky. Long-hair MUST be tied fully back and out of the face. Long sleeve shirt, cotton-blend. No flammable synthetic materials.
Closed-toed shoes are a must - PLEASE NOTE: If you arrive wearing flip flops, sandals, or Crocs, you will not be permitted to participate in the session for safety reasons!
Optional (if you do not want to use the studio’s): Protective eye-gear, Heavy-duty utility gloves
WHAT TO BRING and POT ALLOWANCE
POTLUCK: Bring your favorite dish, side dish, or dessert to share - store-bought or home-cooked!
up to 4-5 BISQUED medium pots averaging (8"×10" each.)
Optional: You can bring your own horse hair, feathers, sugar (sugar can create fun effects in addition to horsehair)
WHAT KIND OF PIECES TO MAKE
KEEP IN MIND, this workshop is about RAKU and the surface effects it can create. Simple forms with few alterations where the glazes and reduction can really be the focal point are the best. The best pieces are vertical pieces that have even wall thickness of 1/4” from bottom to top. We have to pick up every piece with long, heavy duty, metal tongs; so anything flat, too wide or too thin or intricate will not be successful and most likely break . Pieces with delicate embellishments or stamps or detailed relief carvings will most likely break or not be show up at all once fired.
To see our previous Raku Workshop please visit our instagram in highlights “RAKU WORKSHOP”
