Two weeks ago, the Ceramics and Sculpture II students began participating in a different type of firing than what they normally do:  raku firing. Raku is a Japanese firing technique traditionally used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony.  Raku products are often in the form of tea bowls. The students also had the privilege of working with outside artist Tim Pfiffner.

“The Art Department likes to bring in artists to teach kids new things and Tim Pfiffner does raku and that experience alone helps. Students participate in a different type of firing, which is an important part in glazing,” Ceramics teacher Suzanne Zimmerman said.

Ceramics students are also working on the pottery wheel, demonstrating hand building techniques, trying different finishing processes, and making sculptures out of materials other than clay.  This last includes sculptures made from paper, wire, and found object art.  These can be found in displays around the school.