4th Saturday Community Workshops are offered FREE to our Rabun County community.
Embark on a captivating exploration of the ancient Japanese craft of Raku with Betty Dodd. This hands-on experience will introduce you to the Raku method of firing ceramics using all of nature’s elements: earth, fire, air, and water.
The transformation begins with glazing and surface decoration, personalizing each piece with distinct colors and textures. The true magic of Raku unfolds during the firing process. First, the ceramics are fired in high, rapid heat, causing the glazes to react in unpredictable and stunning ways. Next, they are placed into an oxygen-deprived atmosphere which allows for further surface variation. This element of unpredictability is what makes Raku pottery truly special. Each piece tells its own unique story through the marriage of fire and artistry.
Participants may bring their own bisque-fired ceramic pieces. If you aren’t a ceramicist, or you don’t have any bisque-fired pieces handy, you may purchase them for $10-$25/ea at the beginning of the workshop.
All experience levels are welcome.
ELIGIBILTY: Your primary address must be in Rabun County in order to attend this workshop. Upon arriving, you will be asked to show ID with your address.
Space is limited to 8 participants.
Each participant must register separately.
Open to local creatives over the age of 12.
Minors must be accompanied by a participating adult. Minors will not be asked for ID; only adults.
Questions? Email the Hambidge Office at office@hambidge.org.
Our free Community Workshops are supported in part by the Lake Rabun Foundation.
About the Workshop Instructor
Betty Dodd has been a teacher and studio assistant for 13 years at the Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for Art and Learning in Duluth, Georgia. She teaches all levels of pottery on the wheel as well as specialized workshops, such as raku and throwing large bowls. Additionally, she teaches at Callanwolde Fine Art Center in Atlanta and also at Bridges Art Center in Lawrenceville, where she serves on the Board of Directors. She had sold work and given wheel demonstrations at art festivals and currently shows her work in galleries. She has also assisted with the Hambidge Center’s Anagama kiln firings annually for the past nine years.
Find Betty on Instagram @bdpottery