This workshop is for Maine K-12 art educators who teach at accredited Maine schools.
Join Studio Manager Reeder Fahnestock for a daylong raku workshop! The session will cover the general history and practice of firing ceramics in a raku kiln and how to explore this firing technique with students. There will be ample time for participants to glaze their work using raku glazes provided for the workshop prior to the group undertaking a group raku firing together.
Date: September 26, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Watershed Main Campus
19 Brick Hill Road, Newcastle, ME
Registration Fee: $35
Workshop Details
- Upon completion of the workshop, Watershed will provide participants with proof of contact hours.
MEALS & REFRESHMENTS
- Lunch will be offered during the workshop. Vegetarian and gluten free diets can be accommodated. Please note any dietary needs on your registration form. Participants with additional dietary needs may bring supplemental food and will have access to Watershed’s studio fridge.
About Reeder Fahnestock
Workshop instructor Reeder Fahnestock received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute. He earned his MFA in ceramics at Kansas State University where he studied with Yoshiro Ikeda, was awarded the Strecker-Nelson Gallery MFA Scholarship, and taught beginning and advanced ceramics. He was the inaugural artist in residence at Pinon Hill Pottery in La Veta, Colorado, and was also an artist in residence for two years at Pope Valley Pottery in California. His work has been exhibited nationally and is in many private collections.
How to Prepare & What to Bring
Participants should bring bisqued pieces no larger than 10” tall by 6” wide for the firing. Please keep in mind:
- Bisque temperature should be pyrometeric cone 04/06.
- Clay should be specifically formulated for raku firing. Portland pottery carries Standard brand #239 and #295. The #295 has an addition of kyanite that gives the clay additional strength to withstand some of the thermal shock associated with the raku firing process and is recommended for large work. Either clay will be suitable for our purposes.
- Flat pieces like plates and wide bowls can be problematic and for purposes of the workshop are discouraged.
- Please be aware that raku firing does not produce work suitable for food service and vessels may be too porous to hold liquid.
Please wear closed toe shoes, non-synthetic clothing (cotton, wool, and other natural fibers are more fire resistant) long pants and long sleeves, and please tie back long hair.
Payments & Refunds
- Payment is due online with registration.
- Watershed can provide you with a receipt to submit for reimbursement.
- Registration fees are refundable until 14 days prior to the workshop.
Health & Safety
Watershed has instituted guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID during on-campus programs. Read them here. As health and safety data shifts, Watershed may adjust these guidelines.
Please wear closed toe shoes, non-synthetic clothing (cotton, wool, and other natural fibers are more fire resistant) long pants and long sleeves, and please tie back long hair.