Raku Firing

Join us on Saturday, November 8th between 10am and 3pm for A wood-fired raku firing.  Raku is a low-fire ceramic technique originating in 16th-century Japan, historically used in tea ceremony wares. This dramatic ceramic firing process blends the traditional Japanese raku technique with the rustic, unpredictable qualities of wood firing. It’s known for producing unique, one-of-a-kind ceramic surfaces with crackles, smoky blacks, metallic sheens, and a strong sense of natural chaos.  Purchase a pot, glaze it in one of View's raku glazes and watch it get fired in real time.  

• Pots are made from raku clay (which can handle thermal shock).
• Glazes used are formulated for low-fire and can include metallics like copper for flashing.
• Bisque-fired pots are glazed and dried before firing.
• The kiln is brought up quickly to around 900–1000°C (1650–1830°F).
• Using long tongs and heat-resistant gloves, the glowing pots are removed from the kiln while red-hot.
• This thermal shock gives raku its signature crackling and unpredictability.
• The pots are immediately placed in a reduction chamber (usually a metal can or pit) filled with combustible materials like sawdust, leaves, straw, or newspaper.
• The intense heat ignites the material, and the chamber is quickly covered to smother the flames, reducing the oxygen and causing chemical reactions in the glaze.
• Copper glazes may turn iridescent or rainbow-like; unglazed areas turn black from carbon.
• After a few minutes (or longer), the pots are removed and quenched in water or left to cool in air.
• Once cool, the pots are scrubbed to remove soot and ash, revealing their final appearance.

We will be firing the kiln multiple times.  The kiln can only hold a limited number of pieces per firing.  Register now to reserve your spot as the number of pots we can fire in a day is limited.  Only one pot per attendee.  Choice of pots is first come first serve. Firings can take between 30 minutes to an hour, pots will be fired in the order they are glazed.  Please plan accordingly.  While you wait for your pot to be fired please visit our Quilts Unlimited show in the Galleries, take a walk on the wetland walkway, or play some cornhole in our courtyard(weather permitting).  

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the first day of a class will receive a 100% refund, or can be exchanged for another class.  Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to the first day of class can only be exchanged for another class.  No refunds or exchanges will be made for failing to show up to class without prior notice.  

In the event that View were to cancel a class, a full refund for the class will be issued.