Below is the current course information for all upcoming Reitz Ranch Center for Ceramic Arts workshops. We’re thrilled to share our lineup with you in anticipation of a season packed with creativity, energy, new ideas, and new opportunities.
Workshops
This is someone with little or no clay experience. You might have taken a few classes, but it was years ago. This is someone with little understanding of the difference between coil build, slab building, building with molds, or throwing on the wheel.
This is someone who has taken several clay classes. You feel comfortable enough in clay to be able to make basic forms. Someone who has some knowledge of clay related terminology but is looking to have a better understanding. You’re comfortable working independently.
Someone who has taken several clay classes within the past several years. You feel confident working with clay but are looking to expand your knowledge and skill set. This is someone who is confident working independently.
Woodfiring Workshop with Dave Tarullo!
October 6th-9th, 2022
Join us for an exciting five-day Woodfire Pottery Workshop led by sculptor and woodfire artist Dave Tarullo, October 6th-9th. Together we will fire the Reitz Ranch Train Kiln!
Woodfiring is an ancient and specialized form of atmospheric firing that produces incredible surfaces through the interplay of flame and ash.
In this workshop we will discuss wood-fired surfaces and how they are achieved; how form, type of clay, location in the kiln, and proximity to other things in the kiln all come together to create the story left on the surface of the pot. And we will have a blast firing the kiln!
Participants are encouraged to bring up to 4 cu ft of high-fire, bisqued pots for the kiln firing. The workshop will begin on Thursday afternoon. Participants will gain an overview of the process, and we will prepare wares for the wood kiln with slip, glaze, and wadding. Everyone will have the opportunity to assist with the kiln loading beginning at 10:00 AM on Friday. Each person will take two 4-6 hour shifts during the firing, and we’ll wrap up the firing on Sunday night, October 9th. After the kiln cools, we will unload it together!
No prior wood firing experience is necessary, open to all skill levels. A letter with more information will be sent out after registration.
Day 1, Thursday afternoon: Introduction to wood firing, making wadding, slips and glazing for a wood kiln.
Day 2, Friday, 10:00 AM: Loading the kiln. Brick up door. Light the kiln.
Day 3, Saturday: Continue firing.
Day 4, Sunday: Finish firing.
TBD (Day 5): Unload the kiln, clean up the work and the kiln, and discuss results.