Raku and Alternative Firings (afternoon)

Raku and Alternative Firings (afternoon)

Fall Class | Registration opens Wednesday, August 5, 2026 6:00 AM EDT

414 Plush Mill Road Wallingford, PA 19086 United States
Handbuilding Room
Intermediate
9/23/2026-12/2/2026
2:00 PM-5:00 PM EDT on Wed
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$375.00
Member Discount Available
$35.00

Raku and Alternative Firings (afternoon)

Fall Class | Registration opens Wednesday, August 5, 2026 6:00 AM EDT

Raku and Alternative Firings is a chance to try pit firing, saggar, Obvara, Horse Hair and Naked Raku. We will build simple forms and using Terrasigilatta, create beautiful smooth surfaces to show the subtleties of each type of firing. Please refer to the supply list below for clothing requirements to participate in firing the kiln. We will fire as the weather permits.

SCHEDULE NOTES:
This class meets 10 times on nonconsecutive Wednesdays from 9/23/26 to 12/2/26.
No class on Wednesday 11/25/26.
The Community Arts Center will be closed for Thanksgiving Break from 11/26/26-11/28/26.

  • Clay is not included in lab fee. Clay is to be purchased through the office. Purchase can be made via email, by phone and/or in person during office hours. Please note specific clay body when placing order. Porcelain clay bodies (257 and 437) are priced at $60 per unit. Non-porcelain clay bodies are priced at $35 per unit. Purchase in advance of class and present receipt to instructor before collecting clay.
  • PLEASE BRING TO CLASS:
    paper pad, pencil, clay tools, canvas to work on, sturdy work gloves, texture tools, brushes, and a very soft cloth for burnishing.
    *On the first day please bring a cash payment of $15 to pay the instructor for specialized materials (horsehair, feathers and natural materials used in your raku firing).

    CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR SAFETY:
    Please wear ALL NATURAL FIBERS such as cotton or denim (no nylon or polyester fleece, etc.) Must wear long pants and sleeves, tied on shoes (no heels, sandals or clogs / sneakers OK) and socks that cover the ankles. Hair and bangs must be tied back. No jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches or rings!)  Metal heats up when close to kiln and when pulling from kiln.
Demme, Laura
Laura Demme

Laura Demme's Webpage As an artist working in various media, Laura Demme’s art education began early as the daughter of an artist. Drawing, painting and sewing from the age of six, Laura continued her study through high school, then a year living at Peters Valley Craft School. Originally drawn to weaving, spinning and dyeing, Laura realized the versatility of “ Off the Loom” techniques such as crocheting, knitting and embroidery. Moving to NYC, Laura worked as a Crafts Designer and Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping Magazine and contributed designs to Voque Knitting, Needlework, and other publications. As a Free Lance Designer for 14 Years in NYC, Laura worked with design houses contributing unique knit designs and inspiration to Geoffrey Beene, Ralph Lauren and many others. Laura then started painting. Laura’s work in oil on canvas and gessoed paper showed at a few invitationals in NYC and Art Shows in Atlanta and Rice University in Texas. Laura then retired from the textile industry, and married, gave birth to a daughter and took up Ceramics. Concentrating on Raku Firing and other Low Fire techniques Laura uses her mixed media sensibility to create Mixed Media figures, Vignettes, Sculpture and many other decorative pieces. Her continued exploration of technique and media include concrete, metal work (jewelry and steel welding), encaustic and acrylic abstract painting and gardening. When ever she needs to know about something Laura takes a workshop with whoever is the definitive person. Laura Demme is a juried member of the Pa Guild of Craftsmen and a Potters Guild Member. She teaches Raku Firing, Hand Building and Encaustic Painting at Community Arts Center, Wayne Art Center and Cheltenham Center for the Arts. “I look forward to integrating all that I have learned and experienced into my artwork, to fully express what it is to be an artist, and to inspire others to explore and expand the