Large Lidded Jars Workshop

w/visiting artist, Taylor Stefanski at Ilwaco Artworks. Ages 16+ and all experience levels welcome. 2pm-6pm. $110/person

In this workshop we will create our own large lidded jars! These jars are great for storing sundries, snacks or small items like rice and coffee. The first day we will create our jars and lids. On the second day we will finish the assembly of our lid and personalize our pieces with stamps, carving and color!

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Taylor’s work is deeply inspired by the sea. Explores ideas of imperfection and honors the nature of the tides through meditative repetition. Expressed in the chosen hand building process – each of their pieces are created primarily using a coil building technique. Where she rolls each coil by hand to create each unique, one of a kind forms. Graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a focus on printmaking and sculpture. Their ceramic work is carried in a variety of stores in Seattle, Portland and LA. She currently works and teaches in her studio in Capitol Hill.

Sun, Nov 17th: Raku Class at Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. 10am-1pm. $40-$60/person. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+. All levels welcome.

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.

Create with clay for the day at our community clay studio, Ilwaco Artworks!

Mondays, Nov 4th – Nov 25th: 4-Week Handbuilding Series – Global Traditions of Ceramics w/Hans Miles at Ilwaco Artworks. 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. All levels welcome. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+. 2pm-4pm.

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.

Nov 7th-21st: 3-Week, 4 Session Wheel Throwing Series | All Levels | 5:30pm-7:30pm w/Hans Miles at Ilwaco Artworks. 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. All levels welcome. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+.

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.

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+

Create with clay for the day at our community clay studio, Ilwaco Artworks!