A few months ago, we weren’t sure what to expect as far as the world opening back up after the pandemic. But now that we’re in the middle of summer, it’s clear that life as we once knew it is beginning to return to normal. People are getting back to socializing and engaging in their favorite activities, which we’ve experienced firsthand here at Canton Clayworks. We can barely keep up with the demand for wood firing!
After being cooped up for so many months and dealing with so much uncertainty, our kilns have all been full, and it’s apparent that pyromaniac madness has totally taken over! The artists have emerged after COVID, and they’ve all been so eager to participate in this wonderful activity once again.
In fact, our Raku and Saggar firing workshops have been so popular that all our summer dates are sold out, and there is a waiting list.
However, there are still available dates this fall for our Raku, Saggar, and Sawdust (smoke fire pottery). They are one day each workshop for firing, though spots are anticipated to fill up fast. Each firing has a maximum of 6 participants, so be sure to reserve a spot today if you are interested! Our fall offerings are currently available online.
Each participant may bring 10 bisqued pots, preferably polished with Terra Sig. Each firing Workshop includes brief instruction and demos in the application of Terra Sig. This session will take place in person or via Zoom, to assist each participant to prepare for the firing day.
The mid-pandemic surge in interest in pottery has pushed me to reopen the Canton Clay Works School. For beginners, we’re offering a Throwing on the Potter’s Wheel class that will introduce you to working with clay for the first time. You will have the chance to make tea bowls, cups, mugs, soup bowls, and plates.
There’s also an Animal Sculptures class, where you can learn to sculpt animals using the hollowing out method. Animals are sculpted from solid clay, cut, hollowed out, and then reassembled.
If you can’t make one of these dates, we do have some other classes and workshops coming up, which we’re so excited about, as we haven’t held them for quite some time due to the pandemic.
For beginners, we’re offering a Throwing on the Potter’s Wheel class that will introduce you to working with clay for the first time. You’ll have the chance to make tea bowls, cups, mugs, soup bowls, and plates.
The Creamery Gallery is also back open this summer, though you’ll want to give Tim a call at 860-693-1000 to make an appointment, as the extensive firing schedule impacts when visitors can come to the gallery.
Whether you sign up for a wood firing activity, enroll in a class or workshop, or simply stop by for a visit to learn more about what we do, it will be our pleasure to welcome you and have you as part of our incredible community. One of the reasons we love wood firing so much is that it promotes a sense of togetherness and allows people to learn, grow, and nurture their creativity.
While 2020 threw us a major curveball and turned our lives upside-down, it also gave us a deeper appreciation for the experiences that we have and gratitude for all the opportunities that come our way. We hope that you’ll join us in 2021 so that you can participate in a one-of-a-kind activity that will keep you coming back for years to come.
For more details and information please visit cantonclayworks.com, or give us a call at
860-693-1000. You can also feel free to email us at cantonclayworks@yahoo.com.