Halloween Themed Barrel Firing Workshop and Chili Cookoff

Halloween Themed Barrel Firing Workshop and Chili Cookoff

October 5, 2024 // 10am – Late Afternoon // 280 S Saint Paul St. Hamilton, VA 20158

$150 / 16 Total Spots

All Materials Included

Join us for a day of barrel firing! In this workshop you will learn how to barrel fire pots- a modified version of the ancient technique of pit firing. Participants will learn to treat their pots with colorants, copper wire and organic materials. After pots are treated we will learn how to prepare the barrels for a successful firing. Once the barrels are loaded and lit they will burn down most of the afternoon; when cool enough to remove, pots will be washed, waxed and sealed.

Barrel fired pots are not food safe and will not hold water. Barrel fired pots are one-of-a-kind works of art and cannot be replicated.

***IMPORTANT***

Participants will be provided 4 pounds of Raku clay and Terra Sigillata. You can make one large piece, or two smaller pieces. Pots must be made of Raku clay, treated with Terra Sigillata (brush on two coats and buff), and bisque fired to 08.

I will be doing an 08 bisque fire at my home studio. All pots must be ready and treated, and delivered to my home studio by Sunday September 22. This will be the only 08 bisque firing I will be doing, so if you pots are not ready by then it will be your responsibility to have them bisque fired elsewhere before the workshop.

Collect some organic materials in your spare time- pine needles, seaweed, eggshells, etc. Some great ideas for Halloween themed pots are pumpkins, skulls, ghosts, and witch hats.

This is an all-day event so we will be doing a chili cook-off! Please bring a pot of your favorite chili or a dish to share. Drinks will also be provided. Bring along your camping chairs. While the barrels burn it will be a great opportunity to meet and hang out with other potters from different studios. Masks are optional but recommended.

Please contact Erin McQuary at erinnicholew@gmail.com to arrange pickup of your materials or with any questions you may have. Looking forward to seeing everyone and creating some one-of-a-kind pots just in time for Halloween!