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HomeNewsArchivesDates Set for 'Raku in the Caribbean' Workshop

Dates Set for 'Raku in the Caribbean' Workshop

April 7, 2005 – At the "Raku in the Caribbean" workshop, rescheduled for May 2-8 at the Maho Bay Clay Works studio on St. John, visiting instructor Steven Branfman will guide students in raku firing, the ancient technique that evolved from the making of 16th century Japanese tea ceremony pottery. A raku potter takes glowing-hot clay pots from a kiln and plunges them into leaves, newspapers and other combustibles to produce colorful, metallic glaze effects.
Branfman is the founder and director of The Potter's Shop and School in Needham, Mass. He is the author of "Raku: A Practical Approach" and "The Potter's Professional Handbook." A full-time clay artist and teacher since 1975, Branfman is a highly acclaimed ceramic artist and workshop presenter specializing in raku techniques. Maho Bay Clay Works is delighted to bring him to teach in the Virgin Islands, said studio spokeswoman Gail Van de Bogurt.
Maho Bay Camps in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is home to Maho Bay Clay Works ceramic studio and a growing art center based on energy conservation and reuse of resources. From hand blown recycled glass to a wood-burning kiln fired with old shipping palette wood, the studio offers artists an opportunity to explore their artistic side while recycling in the mediums of ceramics, glass, papermaking, textiles and mosaics.
This is a workshop within a workshop, offering a weeklong, hands-on session May 2-8, as well as a weekend-only session May 6-8. For more information on a schedule of activities, cost and accommodations, contact Gail Van de Bogurt or Jill Hale at Maho Bay Clay Works, P.O. Box 523, St John, VI 00831; telephone 340-776-6226 ext.226; or email gail@mahobayclayworks.com.

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