Richland’s ART 121, 122, and 131 ceramics classes will host “Touched by Fire” a ceramics firing and workshop on November 13, 2012, at the Andreas patio. Raku is an Asian ceramic technique where pots are fired in an outdoor kiln and quickly smothered in a bed of straw, leaves, or newspaper in a covered container to deoxygenate the glaze on the pot. It is next dunked in water to cool, reducing the pot’s temperature from 1900 degrees to touchable in 30 minutes. The glazes and effects are unique, from glistening oil slick multi-copper shades to silvery streaks. Come and see how it is done!

Raku pottery will be shown in Erlanson after the workshop, incorporating pieces from the firing. Photography students will be documenting the process in a photo exhibit about raku as well to augment the exhibit. The “Touched by Fire: a Raku Workshop” exhibit will run from November 14 through December 4. A few pieces of pottery will be available for visitors to paint and fire for varying prices, depending on the pot. These purchases will help to defray the cost of the firing materials.