Raku Pottery Party! Saturday, May 19
On Saturday afternoon, from 4 to 8pm on May 19, the Valley Arts Alliance will conduct their Fourth Annual Raku Pottery Party at Pat Garley's Arctic Fires Bronze in Palmer, Alaska. Although we describe it as a “party”, this is actually an informal workshop conducted by VAA artist Karen Lopez, who owns Still Waters Pottery in Palmer.
Karen is well known for her Raku pottery, and recently demonstrated the creation and firing of her Raku pottery at the annual “Valley Arts Alliance Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest" last June. See exciting scenes from last year's event at our 2011 Raku Pottery Party archive page.
The creation of Raku pottery requires both heat and smoke to create the unique patterns and designs. Karen provides each participant with two vessels or pots of fired and unglazed ceramic ware, known as bisque. The participants then decorate their vessel with a variety of glazes, and the vessels are then fired in one of Karen’s special Raku kilns.
After firing for approximately 30 minutes, the “red hot” vessel (see picture above) is placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials, such as newspapers, and the metal can is sealed. As the fire consumes the oxygen within the can, it also draws the oxygen out of the vessel and its glaze. This process, called post fire reduction, is responsible for the unique Raku look, with colors that are completely unpredictable.
The workshop fee is $50 (payable at the door) and is expected to last about 4 hours. Seating is limited! So please reply by email to “Carmen (at) ValleyArtsAlliance (dot) com” to reserve your place. And remember, at the conclusion of the workshop all the participants will be able to take their unique creations home.
VAA partners with Valley Performing Arts!
The Valley Performing Arts is producing "The Trip to Bountiful"—directed by Elizabeth Hanson—at their theatre located at 251 West Swanson in Wasilla from May 11 through May 27, 2012.
In the lobby of the VPA theatre is the Valley Arts Alliance showcase that displays locally crafted original artwork made by Valley Arts Alliance members.
During "The Trip to Bountiful" performance, our showcase will contain ceramic works by Vickie Cole, Sandra Cook, Karen Lopez, and Dennis McKenzie.
The showcase items will be changed out often to provide the VPA theatre guests with an opportunity to view our local community artists.
Just another example of the Valley Arts Alliance bringing the community together through the arts!
What is "Second Saturday"?
On one day each month—the “Second Saturday” here in the Valley—we are encouraging local art galleries, restaurants, and retail businesses to join in with local and regional artists, sculptors, musicians, and food masters for a festive day of art and entertainment.
This concept has been adopted in a variety of locations throughout America, and provides a festive atmosphere for visitors to plan a day on the town and browse the many participating stores and venues. A bookstore could schedule a book signing; a coffee shop could schedule a poetry reading; a gallery could have an artist demonstrate; or a retail establishment could provide space for a musician to play. All on the same day of the month—the Second Saturday.
The Valley Arts Alliance is coordinating the "Second Saturday" project. Just email us if you are willing to participate and we will attempt to match up artists and venues. For a complete list of participating Second Saturday venues, please sign up for our newsletter. It’s that easy! Join us in supporting the arts in our community, and in helping to make our art community grow.