There's a special magic to Raku firing that brings artists back for more. Your glowing, 1800°F piece comes straight out of the kiln and is plunged straight into a bin of newspaper, sawdust and other combustibles. It bursts into flames. Smoke rolls up. And when the smoke clears, the piece is transformed. That's the beauty of Raku. You can't fully control it and you can't fully predict it. No two pieces every come out exactly the same. WAC artist Laurie Andrew has been a Raku class student this session. Laurie says she enjoys coming to the class because it's like Christmas every day. We agree. It really is a special and vibrant technique for clay decoration. Laurie made these three pieces using the WAC's reclaimed clay. The first vase is a combination of our Copper Sand and Lapiz glazes. The other vase with the ruffled rim was glazed with our Salmon Run and Reynolds Wrap glazes. And the big platter was made by applying fern fronds with our Copper Carbonate and Clear Crackle glazes. We'll be starting a new session of Raku class beginning August 5th. Keep an eye out on social media for information about registering for this class.

There's something so good about sitting at a wheel with a lump of clay and no idea what it's going to become. Our next session of classes start August 3, and there's a spot for you whether you've never touched clay or you've been coming back for years. Beginners are genuinely welcome here, not just in the brochure sense. Registration for classes opens July 14 at willametteartcenter.com. #pottersofinstagram #oregonpotters #Oregon #salemoregon #oregonpottery

Learn stenciling and under glazing techniques from master potter Jim Ransom in this two-session workshop at Willamette Art Center. You'll choose your own stencil designs and work with Jim to understand how take your own clay pieces to the next design level. A bisque ware mug and glaze firing are provided. The workshop is just $50! Register at willametteartcenter.com/classes-workshops.

Saturday is for stained glass! Join us today at noon or on Saturday, July 25 and make your own stained glass work of art. Today's class will create the delicate English Rose adaptation piece and on July 25th you can create the wonderful sunburst. An introduction to Stained Glass: Learn copper foiling and soldering techniques for the Tiffany-style stained glass process in an informal, personal, and supportive environment. $130 per person Our community studio will be buzzing with creative energy all afternoon. Hope to see you there!