SOU’WESTER EVENTS!
Discover what’s happening during your next stay or plan a visit around our free live music, workshops, wellness offerings and more!
Exploring Raku, Obvara, and Alternative Firing Methods
In this hands-on class, you’ll explore alternative firing techniques such as Raku, Obvara, and more, in a communal kiln firing setting. Each method involves opening the kiln while it’s red-hot and applying ancient techniques to create fascinating, one-of-a-kind pieces.
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 Oct 5th. Then, join us for the raku fire, Oct 19th, 10a-1p 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 Oct 19th, 10a-1p and choose from pre-made, bisqued pieces to be glazed and fired and taken home that day!
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.
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.
In this class, students will learn essential handbuilding techniques like pinching and coiling to create vessels inspired by a historical object (e.g., a Jomon pot, Minoan octopus vase, or Incan Moche vessel). A great way to incorporate personal narrative and explore ceramics’ rich history.
The course enhances handbuilding skills and concepts through in-depth practice and discussions on techniques, surface decoration, and materials, alongside perfecting fundamentals like wedging and glazing.
Day One:
Students will cover basic handbuilding techniques and complete their first, smaller vessel, gaining hands-on experience. The instructor will provide resources for researching the historical object for the second project.
Day Two:
This session focuses on refining the first vessel and starting the second. Students will learn about form design principles, discuss their chosen object’s history, and explore ways to integrate personal stories into their work.
Days Three and Four:
These sessions are dedicated to developing the personalized vessel project. With guidance, students will apply their skills to create a unique vessel that reflects their creativity and evolving style.
Dates: November 7th, 14th, & 21st
PLUS One 30-minute private lesson + 2.5 hours of wheel time (arranged on the first day of class).
This class will begin with the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel and guide students towards their choice of creating one of three final forms: cups, bowls, or planters. The first session will cover the fundamental mechanics and processes of wheel throwing. The second session will focus on the nuances of form and technique for your specific project, while the third and fourth sessions will be dedicated to refining your work.
Community Acupuncture at the Sou’wester
Come rest, relax, and heal in the coastal forest with others in the pavilion space at the Sou’wester on Friday, November 22nd, 4pm-7pm and Saturday the 23rd, 10am-1pm. $25 – $55 sliding scale.
Acupuncture supports recovery, sleep, immunity, digestion and reduces stress, pain, anxiety and lifts depression. Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, reduce inflammation, &speeds up healing. $25-$55 is a sliding scale pay what you can model making this care accessible to
CLAY DATES
- NOV 1ST: Set of ORNAMENTS
- NOV 8TH: Pair of BUD VASES
- NOV 15th: Pair of PLANTERS
- NOV 22nd: Pair of NERIKOMI TUMBLERS
- Nov 29th: Pair of PET BOWLS
Connect over clay with a loved one! Handbuild ceramic art and lasting memories. Clay Dates include a handbuilding demo, all materials needed and firing. When registering, one ticket ($70) is good for two people. No experience necessary.
Capacity: 10 (5 couples)
Age: 10-14 w/an adult or 14+
Community Acupuncture at the Sou’wester
Come rest, relax, and heal in the coastal forest with others in the pavilion space at the Sou’wester on Friday, November 22nd, 4pm-7pm and Saturday the 23rd, 10am-1pm. $25 – $55 sliding scale.
Acupuncture supports recovery, sleep, immunity, digestion and reduces stress, pain, anxiety and lifts depression. Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, reduce inflammation, &speeds up healing. $25-$55 is a sliding scale pay what you can model making this care accessible to
FREE FAMILY CLAY PLAYS FOR KIDS K-3RD & THEIR ACCOMPANYING ADULS/SIBLINGS
At Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st ave N Ilwaco, WA.
In collaboration with the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about an aspect of local ecology through hands-on clay arts projects!
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11/23 Leaf Impression Winter Decorations | 10am-11am
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12/28 Nocturnal Animal Night Lights
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1/25 Elk & Deer Antlers
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2/22 Bird Baths for Local Waterfowl
Thanks to a generous grant from ArtsWA, our Family Clay Plays are offered at no tuition cost! We have a sliding scale registration fee of $0-$25 per person, which includes all materials, glazing, and firing for 1-2 pieces.
Registration: Please purchase one ticket for each person in your party and note the ages of your party in the “Add a note to seller” section on the payment page. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Attendance Policy: We appreciate your understanding as we reserve spots for you and your family. If you cannot attend, please let us know at least 7 days in advance for a full refund. Unfortunately, cancellations made within 7 days will not be eligible for a refund. To cancel, please email souwestertv@gmail.com.
Waitlist: If the event is full, please email souwestertv@gmail.com to join our waitlist.
Shipping: For those visiting from afar, shipping is available for $15 plus shipping costs.
Our first Family Clay Play series was such a hit that we’re launching a second one 11am-12pm!
FREE FAMILY CLAY PLAYS FOR KIDS K-3RD & THEIR ACCOMPANYING ADULS/SIBLINGS
At Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st ave N Ilwaco, WA.
In collaboration with the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about an aspect of local ecology through hands-on clay arts projects!
-
11/23 Leaf Impression Winter Decorations | 10am-11am
-
12/28 Nocturnal Animal Night Lights
-
1/25 Elk & Deer Antlers
-
2/22 Bird Baths for Local Waterfowl
Thanks to a generous grant from ArtsWA, our Family Clay Plays are offered at no tuition cost! We have a sliding scale registration fee of $0-$25 per person, which includes all materials, glazing, and firing for 1-2 pieces.
Registration: Please purchase one ticket for each person in your party and note the ages of your party in the “Add a note to seller” section on the payment page. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Attendance Policy: We appreciate your understanding as we reserve spots for you and your family. If you cannot attend, please let us know at least 7 days in advance for a full refund. Unfortunately, cancellations made within 7 days will not be eligible for a refund. To cancel, please email souwestertv@gmail.com.
Waitlist: If the event is full, please email souwestertv@gmail.com to join our waitlist.
Shipping: For those visiting from afar, shipping is available for $15 plus shipping costs.
Hand built Yoni Altars Workshop w/visiting artist, Lynz Brightly
2pm-6pm at Ilwaco Artworks $70/person
In this workshop we will create wall hanging altars for display and/or ritual. We will honor our bodies and create vulva altars. This class is for all levels and includes all the tools you need, clay, glaze, and firing.
Lynz is a queer ceramic artist living and working in Seattle. They are focused on surface development and atmospheric firings. Lynz’ work centers queer liberation and pleasure. Visit lindseybrightly.com or follow @brightlyceramics on Instagram to learn more!
Sat, 11/23 Needle Felted Gnomes workshop w/visiting artist, Mikal Robinson.
2pm-6pm at The Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion. Ages 7+, families encouraged! 3728 J Pl Seaview, WA
These adorable little creatures come together like magic! In this workshop you will learn how to needle felt and sculpt wool roving into charming gnomes to give as one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts or keep all for yourself. Your gnome can be turned into a magnet, pin or ornament.
Myco Robinson is an inspired felter, fiber artist, educator and the lead instructor for Feral Fine Arts. They have been sharing their love of hand crafts and honoring them as a fine art since childhood. With over I5 years of experience in community arts education and 28 years of working with children. Multigenerational instruction brings them great joy. They run year round youth programming through Wild Child Arts Education. Sell needle felting supplies and kits as Feral Felt. Make jewelry and upcycled goods as Feral Refined. A handwork teacher at Sunfield Farm and Waldorf School, they are dedicated to creative expression and collaboration. Visit feralfinearts.com of follow @feralfinearts and @feralrefined on Instagram to learn more about their offerings. www.feralfinearts.com