Mr. Medhus (SCP Ceramics Teacher) is offering to host a Horse Hair and Raku Firing workshop here at Seton for up to 10 guests.

Each guest will create two pieces of pottery.

The workshop would be held on a Friday night when the temps are cooler than 90 degrees. During the darkness, the glow that comes off the hot pottery is quite exciting and interesting. Because of the sawdust, the smoke is that of a campfire.

Raku Firing

This is a unique glazing and firing process that produces interesting results every single time. The pots are fired in a specialty kiln, removed with blacksmith tongs and welding gloves while hot, then placed in a metal bucket with sawdust. The pots and sawdust burn for a short time before covering the bucket with a lid. The fire turns to smoke which permeates the clay and turns unglazed surfaces black. Once the pot has cooled a bit it is removed from the bucket and placed in a washtub where the burnt layer of sawdust can be scrubbed off to reveal a beautiful Raku glazed pot.

Horse Hair Firing

This is a unique firing process that involves heating the pot in a specialty kiln, removing the heated pot from the kiln with blacksmith tongs and welding gloves, and then placing it on a heat-resistant surface. While the pot is still about 1800 degrees hot, horse hair is touched to the hot surface causing it to literally melt onto the pot. Participants will apply the horsehair themselves to create their own unique design. Bird feathers are also a suitable option if you like.

Expires: September 16, 2024