Check Out Our New Raku Kiln!
ABOUT RAKU
Heat up your clay experience! Modern Raku is based on an ancient Japanese firing technique and involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed up tight. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the colors in glazes and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces an intentional crackling in many of the glazes.
ABOUT THE KILN
In 2018, I had an idea to build a Raku kiln and with the help of South Carolina Arts Commission, I was able to make this dream a reality. There was many routes I could have gone with this kiln - from a backyard trash can kiln to a full out manufactured unit, but when it came down to it, what I really wanted was a well-made, functional kiln, with the capacity to handle my own firings, as well as, classes. I think the outcome is pretty spot on.
DEMONSTRATIONS & WORKSHOPS
Free Demonstrations
Come see what RAKU is all about? Join us to see how clay transforms from a ball of mud to a finished bowl or sculpture all in one day!
One-Day Workshops
Get in on the action! We’ll provide pre-formed cups and bowls for you to glaze, decorate and fire in our Raku Kiln. Cost is $40/person and includes 2 pieces you’ll take home.
| Date | Time | Location |
| Oct.19 | 10am-2pm | Converse Creations Studio, Salem |
| Jan. 18 | Noon-4pm | Converse Creations Studio, Salem |
Multi-Day Workshops
In our multi-day workshops, you’ll make your own pieces on the first day, then return to fire your work a couple weeks later. You’ll be involved in the process from start to finish. Each person will be able to make multiple pieces to take home. Cost is $80/person and includes clay, glazes, firing and a BBQ lunch the day of the firing.
| Date | Time | Location |
|
Sep. 10 Sep. 24 |
6pm-9pm 11am-3pm |
Creation: Blue Ridge Arts Center, Seneca Firing: Converse Creations Studio, Salem |
Schedule Your Own Workshop!
Would your group like to participate in a private workshop? We are able to accommodate groups up to 10 people for evening or weekend workshops. Call us to schedule a date!
This kiln is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Also, funded in part by a generous award from the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC.