Raku Entertainments
This fun and productive workshop has evolved over the years into a raku party/potluck, leaving many satisfied participants eager to return. All levels of experience are welcome, new participants are given special attention to familiarize them with the studio and the raku process. Technical information will be presented in a relaxed atmosphere with safety and food consumption emphasized.
On another Internet site, Jeff Diehl advertises a Make Your Own Pots event at Lockbridge Pottery, emphasizing process rather than product: "whether your pot comes out ready for the gallery shelf or for the shard pile, there is great satisfaction in seeing and taking part in the whole process." Still other potters offer a themed event such as William K. Turner's Rakuween party where two hundred people participated in costume at Raku Art's Studio.
In addition, pottery suppliers also often host raku events, perhaps to generate more interest in pottery and, thus, develop a larger client base. Axner Pottery Supply advertises a monthly event where participants bring their own pots for firing or can purchase pre-thrown pots to raku fire. Georgies Ceramic and Clay Co. sponsors a booth at the Salem Art Festival where for a fee novices can become a raku "artist," purchasing a large vase for $15.00 or a tea bowl for $6.00: "Glaze your own bowl, have it fired, and take it home with you all in one day! See how the ancient Japanese firing method known as raku transforms your glazed piece into an incredible work of art."
Decades before traveling raku demonstrations became a commercial enterprise, potter Bruce Finch began his Paint Your Own Pottery events at craft fairs throughout the Western states. Finch acknowledges that "More than a craft, firing onsite is akin to performance art, with maximum audience participation." After thirty years of raku on the road, Finch has streamlined the process. He provides a variety of pre-fired, pre-glazed slip-cast mugs, masks, bowls, and vases for customers to paint with two pigments: cobalt carbonate and copper carbonate, which are suspended in alcohol to speed up drying time. He caters to families with children, remarking that his event "has become a tradition for some families, with patrons who painted pots when they were children returning year after year and bringing their kids to pass along the legacy" (27-29). Similar opportunities for novices are available at Raku Ho'olaule'a, an annual event held at Kualoa Park on the island of Oahu.
Mobile raku entertainments are not limited to craft fairs. Potters advertise that they will play private parties. Stanway Pottery in the United Kingdom states that their workshop will come to your home: "with Stanway Pottery workshop your group can get a real taste of the thrills of raku kiln firing without you having to go through any of the hassles." Similarly, the Craft Alliance claims that it will provide a ready-made party for guests: "Surprise your guests with an evening of fire and wine. Our Japanese ritual of Raku includes wine to imbibe and a unique ceremonial vessel to decorate and then transform in the night fire." Potter Dennis Chouinard suggests Raku birthday parties: "I'll come right to your door step with the tools to make finished Raku Ceramics!"
Many potters also travel to schools to conduct workshops for students. Jerry Roberts and Pat Hight, for example, traveled to Sullivan High School carrying equipment and glazes to help fifty high school and twenty junior high school students fire pots. Because of the instant gratification possible with rapid raku firing, an experienced potter can provide an enjoyable and participatory ceramic entertainment for novices. The question remains whether such entertainments enhance the public's recognition of raku art or undercut the importance of the art since even novices can produce raku ware.
Ken Turner Raku
Salem Art Festival
Finch's On the Road Raku Products
Sullivan High School Raku Day