Raku Workshop

Take your ceramics to the next level and learn how to raku fire pieces, producing beautiful and unique finishes!

Raku pottery is a Japanese ceramic technique characterized by firing pieces that are glazed with special raku glazes, removing them from the kiln when they are red-hot, and rapidly cooling them in a container with combustible material such as paper or sawdust.  The fire created consumes the oxygen, creating unique and dramatic effects such as crackled surfaces, metallic glazes, and changes in clay color.
Multiple Workshops Available!
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​Sunday: December 14
Enrollment Closed
Times: 9:00AM  - 4:00PM

​​Sunday: December 21
Times: 9:00AM  - 4:00PM

​Sunday: December 28
Times: 9:00AM  - 4:00PM​​
​*Should weather prevent a raku workshop meeting, a makeup day will be held the following Saturday. 
​**Workshop end time is an estimate. We will be firing until all pieces are done!
CLASS DETAILS
Enrollment Open!
Dates: Multiple Workshops Available!
Location: Rockwood Ceramics Pavilion, Studios of LeMoyne (417 E. Call St.)
Instructor: Ashley Bennett
Age: Adults
Tuition: $125 for members/$135 for non-members 
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Supplies: Please bring bisque-fired ceramics that meet the below criteria for raku firing. Glazes and firing supplies included in workshop tuition!

Want to purchase bisqueware for the workshop? Contact instructor Ashley Bennett at [email protected]!
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Refund Policy
​What you need to know:
  • No experience is necessary.
  • Participants must be 18 or older.
  • Plan for approximately 6 hours.
  • Long sleeves and pants, natural fiber clothing, and close-toe shoes are required.
  • A signed liability waiver (provided) is required.
  • Only registered participants will be permitted – for safety purposes, no spectators will be allowed.
  • Please be on time and attentive to all instruction.
  • The entire process takes place onsite outdoors at LeMoyne.
  • There is fire and smoke- particle masks or respirators may be worn, but are not provided or required.
  • Despite all the necessary safety precautions, raku is lot of fun!
What you need to know about your ceramic pieces:
  • Each participant may bring (2) pieces that have been bisque-fired.
  • Pieces can be any height, but may not exceed a width of 10 inches.
  • Pieces made from any clay are acceptable, but raku clay is preferred.
  • Participants will glaze their pots with special raku glazes (provided) the day of the workshop.
  • Raku is unpredictable, and pieces may be damaged during the process.
  • Pieces will be ready to take home at the end of the workshop.
  • Your finished pieces will not be food safe or water-tight.

​ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

ASHLEY BENNETT
I have been on my journey with pottery since 1992, making primarily wheel-thrown functional art with a wonderful feeling.  Working with clay reminds me to slow down, be present, focus on details, and embrace the lessons the process offers.  For me, pottery should always be fun, and sometimes my sense of humor is reflected in my pots.  The pieces I make are meant to be handled and enjoyed as they bring beauty to daily life. 

For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of sharing this passion with others through teaching, an experience that has inspired and enriched my own creative process.  While teaching the essential skills to make successful pots, I help each student navigate their own unique and artistic journey.
Photo by Taylor Pecori