Hands On Pottery is hosting a Beginner Raku Workshop!

Raku firing is an ancient technique that involves taking red-hot items out of a blazing kiln and covering them in organic materials to create a reduction environment. After 15 minutes in the sealed fireproof containers, we will remove the pieces and reveal the metallic and otherworldly items from the ashes. At this point we will then quench the pieces in water and scrub them clean to see the beauty that was created through this process.

This course is a 3-week beginner friendly introduction to Raku! No previous clay experience needed. We are offering a hand-building OR a wheel throwing option for making your Raku pieces. We will be creating pieces using a unique clay that is suitable for the Raku process.

We will provide five studio-made tried and true raku glazes. You will start the workshop with glazing pieces and as soon as we have enough pots to load the first raku kiln, we will get it cooking!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Hand-building: May 17th and 24th you will be able to hand-build all your pieces

Wheel throwing: May 17th and 24th you will be able to throw all your pieces, March 11th will be for trimming, adding handles, carving, etc.

All pieces will need to be ready for bisque firing by the end of 2nd week’s class.

For both Hand-building and Wheel throwing on May 31st you will glaze all your pieces then fire them after.

You will have up to 13 lbs. of clay to work with and can keep up to 5 pieces.

Dimensions not exceeding 7” L x 7” W x 11” H.

DISCLAIMERS:

This workshop will involve opening an extremely hot kiln and open flames. We will provide safety equipment such as temperature safe gloves and safety glasses, however we ask that you come prepared with long hair tied back, no long flowing sleeves/tassels, close toed shoes, and wearing organic materials - NO synthetic materials (cotton is recommended).

*Raku firing creates pieces that are not food-safe or watertight. Please keep this in mind as you are making your pieces*

All attendee’s must be 18+.

Date/Time
Sunday, May 17th & 24th:

• Wheel Throwing: 2:15pm-5:15pm

• Hand-Building: 3:00pm-6:00pm

Sunday, May 31st (week 3)

• Firing day! All students:2:00pm-6:15pm

Location
810 Cormorant St. in downtown Victoria, B.C.

Cancellations, Rescheduling & Missed Classes

All cancellations or reschedulings are subject to a fee of $25 per participant regardless of when cancellation or rescheduling happens. Gift certificates are non-refundable.

CANCELLING or RESCHEDULING outside of 7 days: Cancellations must be made at least 7 days prior to your class or workshop to be eligible for rebooking or a refund. Refunds will only be issued if you notify us via email at least seven days prior to your class or workshop. A $25 fee per participant will be applied. 

CANCELLING or RESCHEDULING within 7 days: No refunds will be provided for any cancellations within 7 days. If you must cancel your reservation within 7 days of your class or workshop, we ONLY offer a credit to reschedule if we are able to fill your spot(s). A $25 fee per participant will be applied.

MISSED WORKSHOPS & CLASSES - we are unable to offer make-up workshops & classes due to administrative logistics and capacity limitations in our studio. We are unable to offer refunds or credits for missed workshops & classes.

In the event that we do not meet our minimum registration requirements 5 days prior to the workshop, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule – students will be notified via email. Registrants will have the option to receive a full refund or a credit to attend a future workshop at no additional cost.

Health & Safety Protocols

Given the close proximity and nature of teaching pottery, we will do what we feel is best to keep our staff safe while they are at work. If you are exhibiting signs of being sick, please refrain from coming to your class – you may be asked to leave the studio, or wear a mask if you are coughing, sneezing or have a runny nose. Our cancellation and rescheduling policy will still apply.

We appreciate your understanding.