OBVARA RAKU AT ILWACO ARTWORKS

$40-$60/person. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+. All levels welcome.

REGISTER

In this hands-on class, you’ll explore alternative firing methods in a communal kiln firing setting.

Option one $40: Pick up 2lbs of raku clay at the studio any time after purchase and build your pieces at home. Drop your work off at the studio to be bisque-fired by 12/7. Then, join us for the raku fire, 12/21, where we will glaze and fire your pieces and they will be ready to take home that day. Basic tools kits are also for sale in the studio.

Option two $60: Join us on 12/21 and choose from pre-made, bisqued pieces to be glazed and fired and taken home that day!

Obvara—also known as “Baltic Raku”—is a little known Eastern European technique in which pottery, fresh from the kiln, is quickly submerged into a fermented mixture of water, sugar, and yeast. This process results in organic, black-and-white surface patterns and pigmentation that are completely unique, and is completed in under an hour.

American Raku is a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese method. In this process, works are removed from the kiln at peak heat, where rapid oxidation or combustible reduction produces dramatic surface effects on the clay and glaze. The results, uniquely colored by fire and smoke, are ready to handle in less than an hour. While pre-made ceramic vessels are provided by Ilwaco Artworks, students are encouraged to create their own pieces.

Weekend Clay Plays 

Clay Plays are casual, beginner-friendly pottery sessions where you will learn basic ceramic handbuilding skills to create functional or decorative objects. Ages 10+ with an adult or ages 14+. Pieces are glazed, fired and ready for pick up in 3-6 weeks. Shipping is available for our visiting attendees for $15 plus shipping costs.

Please email ilwacoartworks@gmail.com to join a waitlist!

Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA

$55.00

In this class, you will explore all things glaze-related, including underglaze techniques, mineral washes, kiln processes, glaze chemistry, and various application methods.

$40.00

In this all levels class, through demonstration and explanation, we will focus on throwing and trimming cylinders. Day one will focus on throwing cylinder/cup forms and day two will focus on trimming, adding handles and investigating underglaze surface work.

REGISTER