Raku Workshops at Paseo Pottery
Do you want to practice the ancient art of Raku Firings?
Paseo Pottery conducts Raku Workshops on the third Friday of every month!
Workshop lasts 3 hours. This workshop allows for participants to experience the excitement of moving fired glowing red hot pottery pieces into metal cans where your pieces combust and reduce, producing Raku's signature palette of colors; copper, blues, reds, and crackle whites. Cost includes 150 square inches of raku firing, and glazes. Additional firing can be purchased for $25 per 50 square inches. All pieces must be shorter than 20 inches. Bisque firing fees are separate.
Students should construct their pieces in advance and have them bisque fired before workshop day. It is recommended that pieces are glazed in advance for those with studio access. For those purchasing bisqueware for this workshop, glazing can be completed day-of. Please email info@paseopottery.com at least three days prior to the workshop if you plan to purchase bisqued pieces.
Snacks and drinks will be provided to participants.
Ages 18 and older only please. max group size: 15 ppl.
New Offering: Horsehair ONLY Raku!
Paseo Pottery is now offering Horsehair ONLY Raku Workshops. This workshop allows for groups of 25 to 50 people!
Discover the magic of Raku firing in our Horsehair-Only Raku workshop. In this hands-on experience, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to remove your red-hot pottery directly from the kiln. You’ll then apply real horsehair to your piece, allowing it to burn and leave unique, intricate patterns on the surface. Participants can bring their own bisqueware or choose from a selection of premade bisqueware available for an additional cost. This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, offering a chance to explore the dynamic fusion of fire, smoke, and horsehair in your very own artwork.
Students should construct their pieces in advance and have them bisque fired before workshop day. It is recommended that pieces are glazed in advance for those with studio access. For those purchasing bisqueware for this workshop, glazing can be completed day-of. Please email info@paseopottery.com at least three days prior to the workshop if you plan to purchase bisqued pieces.
Snacks and drinks will be provided to participants.
Ages 18 and older only please. Min group size: 25. max group size: 50.
Please email info@paseopottery.com or call the studio at (505)988-7687 to schedule your Private Horsehair ONLY Raku Workshop. Available by appointment only!
Horsehair pottery is a distinctive technique that involves applying strands of horsehair to hot pottery, creating unique carbonized patterns. The practice is often associated with Native American pottery traditions, particularly among the Pueblo peoples of the Southwest, including New Mexico.
History of Horsehair Pottery in New Mexico
Horsehair pottery gained popularity in the late 20th century, inspired by traditional pit firing and black-on-black pottery methods of the Pueblo peoples, particularly those of the San Ildefonso and Santa Clara Pueblos. Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo was instrumental in popularizing blackware pottery, which shares some similarities in the use of carbonization. The horsehair technique, however, is more closely linked to modern innovations rather than ancient indigenous traditions.
The process involves heating a bisqued pot to around 1300°F and then carefully placing strands of horsehair on the hot surface. The hair burns instantly, leaving delicate, organic lines and smoke patterns on the pot’s surface. Some potters also use feathers or other natural materials
