Raku Workshop
A 3-session experience into the ancient and unpredictable magic of Raku firing.
Join us for a memorable day of ceramic alchemy as ArtAttelier dives into the exciting world of Raku firing! Raku is a fast, fiery, and unpredictable ceramic process that embraces smoke, flame, and spontaneity. Red-hot ceramic pieces are pulled from our outdoor kiln and placed into combustible materials, creating unique surface effects like crackles, metallic sheens, and smoky patterns. No prior experience necessary! We will cover a variety of Raku specific processes including reduction glazes, horse hair, and naked Raku.
June 13 | 3 – 4 pm — Begin your Raku experience. You'll create two pieces using Raku clay, exploring form and design. Pieces size: 6” × 6”
June 20 | 3 – 4 pm — Trim, refine, and prepare your pieces. The details come to life in this stage.
June 27 | 3 – 9 pm — The main event. Glaze, fire, and watch the transformation happen. You'll take home your finished Raku pieces that same night.
Day of the Event
-Participants may bring two pre-made, bisque-fired pieces
Raku glazes will be provided, and our Raku expert will guide you through the entire firing process.
Prefer to come empty-handed? Choose from a variety of pre-made ceramic forms — both hand-built and wheel-thrown — available from ArtAtelier for $15 per piece.
Be as involved as you'd like! Glaze and fire alongside our team, or prepare your pieces and let us handle the flames while you sit back and enjoy the show.
Food and beverages will be provided.
Please wear closed-toed shoes and natural fiber clothing.
Price: $220(includes clay, firing and glazes)
Spots are limited—let us know if you're interested and we'll save your place.
To secure your spot, send payment to: Venmo: @mariu-tovar | Last 4 digits: 3077
The Final Touch — Where the Magic Happens
Once your piece comes out of the kiln glowing hot, the real magic begins! This is the moment to add those stunning finishing effects that make Raku truly one of a kind. As the ceramic radiates heat, a variety of natural materials can be applied directly to the surface, each creating its own unique and unpredictable mark:
Horsehair — Draped across the hot surface, horsehair instantly burns away, leaving behind delicate, elegant dark lines and curling patterns that are impossible to replicate.
Spanish moss — Pressed onto the piece, this organic material smolders and scorches the surface, creating rich, feathery textures and deep smoky markings.
Paper — When laid over a glowing piece, paper combusts rapidly, leaving ghostly shadows, organic shapes, and dramatic carbon flashing across the surface.
Feathers — Similar to horsehair, feathers burn in an instant, tracing fluid, wispy lines and subtle patterns with a delicate, ethereal quality.
Banana peels & other organic materials — Natural and unexpected, these leave bold, earthy marks and rich carbon patterns that give each piece a raw, primal beauty.
No two pieces will ever look the same — that is the essence and the joy of Raku!