Raku Workshop

SUMMER 2025

(1) Course ID: RAKU Sunday June 22nd 11am-6pm

(2) Course ID: RAKU Sunday June 29th 11am-6pm

• Tuition INDIVIDUAL: $275 (read note below)

• Tuition GROUP: $875 (read note below)

• Rain dates TBD by attendees

• 4 student participation limit

Workshop includes: Instruction; studio use; glazes; custom reduction options.

Instructor: Academy founder Frank Bosco

The Raku process began in earnest in 16th Century Japan and is associated with the philosophy of tea. Raku vessels served as essential utensils in the ceremonious tea event. The name Raku translated from its Japanese origins, simply means ‘enjoyment’ and while some aspects of the original process may not be followed to the letter, the enjoyment part certainly is.

What interested potters was the way in which the Raku vessels were fired. Placed in the kiln and heated up rapidly until glowing and glossy with a molten glaze, the vessels are immediately removed from the kiln using long handled tongs and allowed to cool in the open air or doused in water. 

In the sixties, one such potter, Paul Soldner was firing Raku-style, when his pot accidentally tipped over and rolled around on the ground and into some dry leaves where it immediately burst into flames and smoke. The result made history, and forever anchored this process in just about every college ceramics program across the country. The crackle glaze, the luster effect, the dull luscious smoke stained clay, and much, much more. The joy is in the total result from start to finish, and you're there doing it.

Please note: Participants must supply their own bisque pieces for the days event. There is a limit in the number of firings possible during the day so students may be advised to be selective in their choice of works to be glazed.

The rigors on the clay (any clay) during the Raku firing and reduction process can range from the wonderful to the brutal. Cracks and breaks are unwanted of course, but can occur without warning. So participants, enjoy the excitment but be prepared for some possible loss.

Lastly, all participants will be asked to lend a helping hand in setting up and breaking down the ACA raku facility if needed, plus participate in the overall studio clean-up, as well.