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Raku Workshops with Ken Carmean
Master Raku firing and horsehair techniques in this pottery workshop. Fire multiple pieces and explore reduction effects. Sign up today!
About the Class
In this workshop, students will be able to fire multiple times and explore the possibilities of Raku firing and other quick-fire techniques including horse hair, and other techniques. We highly recommend signing up for our Introduction to Raku Processes as a prerequisite for this course if you have not done any raku firing before.
Students should bring bisque pieces to glaze the day of, or plan to glaze the week leading up to the workshop. A variety of sizes and shapes are encouraged to maximize the amount of work that can be fired, we will fire as many pieces as time allows. Please see the supply list for information regarding clay types, and recommended form shapes for the raku kiln.
What is Raku? Raku generally refers to a type of low-firing process that was inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the glaze color and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces a crackle-glaze effect in some glazes.
Required Supplies List
Raku firing deals with direct flame and extreme temperatures. We want to be sure all participants are comfortable and prepared upon arrival for the workshops.
About your Instructor
Ken Carmean
Ken started making Pottery in his Senior year of High School, from there he attended the local Junior College in San Bernardino, Majoring in Art. He enrolled in Dick Bossard’s class and It wasn’t long before he was an emerging Studio Potter, making clay, glazes, loading glaze kilns, firing Salt and Raku kilns. He worked for this amazing potter from Fontana who had a production studio. There he learned how to throw a wide variety of forms quickly. He also learned how to single-fire work to save on costs. For 14 years he operated Arrowhead Stoneware. He has sold his work all over the western United States to many different retailers, art shows, and Galleries.
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Raku Workshops with Ken Carmean
Master Raku firing and horsehair techniques in this pottery workshop. Fire multiple pieces and explore reduction effects. Sign up today!
Schedule
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Workshop 1: 10 AM – 1 PM
Workshop 2: 2 PM – 5 PM
This Session
Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedIt’s recommended to take the Introduction to Raku Process class first.
Age(s)
17Registration
Registration Cost:
$65
Materials Fee:
Included
Total Registration Cost:
$65
