Microwave Raku Party!
Join us for a fast-paced, experimental, and social evening of micro-scale ceramics! In this hands-on party, you will learn how to turn an ordinary household microwave into a high-temperature kiln using specialized ceramic fiber kiln chambers to fire miniature Raku pottery in just minutes.
What We'll Do
Glaze & Setup: Apply specialized low-fire Raku glazes to your mini bisque pieces.
Microwave Kiln Firing: Watch your pieces heat to glowing temperatures in specialized microwave kiln chambers in under 15 minutes.
Post-Firing Reduction: Experience the magic of Raku reduction! We will transfer red-hot pieces straight into miniature combustible reduction containers (filled with sawdust, paper, or leaves) to create dramatic metallic lusters, crackle finishes, and smoky blacks.
What bring:
Bisqued Pottery: Bring 2–4 small (2" or smaller) bisqued pieces. No pieces? No Problem! Choose from one of our many bisque miniatures to glaze and fire!
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Your Favorite Potluck Dish to Share!
(participants will be emailed prior to the event to coordinate)
Saturday October 24th
5-8pm
$95 Per Person / Ages 16 and up
Seeing Seeds Workshop with Sharon Bladholm
Seeing Seeds Workshop with Sharon Bladholm
Seeing Seeds Workshop with Sharon Bladholm
Discover the striking beauty and form of seeds in this hands-on, 3-hour drawing and ceramic sculpture workshop. Drawing inspiration from both tropical Amazonian expeditions and temperate ecosystems, participants will explore seed structure, dispersal, and the crucial role seed banks play in ecological restoration.
Sharon Bladholm’s artwork is profoundly influenced by her participation in scientific expeditions to the Amazon as well as her explorations of local ecosystems. She uses her art to engage and inform the public about critical issues surrounding nature, science, conservation, and biodiversity. Working across a wide array of mediums, Sharon creates sculptural pieces in ceramic, glass, and bronze, as well as works on paper through printmaking, drawing, and mixed media.
She brings extensive teaching experience to her workshops, having taught diverse audiences ranging from the Chicagoland area to Vancouver and remote indigenous villages in the Amazon.
No prior ceramics experience required. All materials provided.
Those not enrolled in classes or membership at the studio may schedule a return time to glaze and finish their pieces.
Saturday November 14th
4-6pm
$125 Per Person / Ages 18 and up
Creepy Creatures with Sharon Bladholm
Seeing Seeds Workshop with Sharon Bladholm
Seeing Seeds Workshop with Sharon Bladholm
Unleash your child's inner natural history artist in this hands-on, 2-hour youth workshop! Participants will observe and create from an intriguing collection of real natural history specimens—including preserved wet specimens (frogs, fish, crayfish, turtles, and mudpuppies) alongside dry bones, shells, seeds, and marine life.
Sharon Bladholm’s artwork is profoundly influenced by her participation in scientific expeditions to the Amazon as well as her explorations of local ecosystems. She uses her art to engage and inform the public about critical issues surrounding nature, science, conservation, and biodiversity. Working across a wide array of mediums, Sharon creates sculptural pieces in ceramic, glass, and bronze, as well as works on paper through printmaking, drawing, and mixed media.
She brings extensive teaching experience to her workshops, having taught diverse audiences ranging from the Chicagoland area to Vancouver and remote indigenous villages in the Amazon.
Perfect for young creators who love art, science, and the outdoors! All materials provided.
Sunday November 15th
10am-12pm
$125 Per Person / Ages 7 and up
Glaze Trends!
Ever see those mesmerizing pottery glazing videos on Instagram or TikTok and wonder how to recreate them yourself? Join us for a fun, creative session where we try out the viral glaze techniques popping up all over social media!
Viral Techniques We’ll Try:
The "Frozen Pond" Effect: Learn how to combine thick glaze layers and pooled glass/glaze melts inside bowls or mugs to recreate that deep, icy water finish.
Tape Resist & Crisp Lines: Use striping tape and masking methods to layer glazes and build striking geometric designs.
Multi-Glaze Layering: Discover how different glazes interact, bleed, and float over each other when layered to create dreamy, organic movement.
We will also cover the basics of glaze finishes and food safety.
What to Bring & Clay Requirements:
Bisqueware: Bring 2 to 4 bisqued pieces ready to glaze. Bisque may be purchased from the studio with advanced request.
Saturday November 21st
4-6pm
$65 Per Person / Ages 16 and up