DGS Student Artists Participate in Raku Day!!

                                    

On Monday, April 24th, students in the Ceramics program participated in a Raku Day field trip. Participating students were in upper level ceramics classes, as well as some selected entry level students.

Students each created 3 different ceramic pieces in the classroom in preparation for raku day. At the field trip, they glazed these pieces, and participated in the raku firing. Students gloved up, grabbed some tongs, and got to work! 

So what is raku firing?  Raku technique is when glazed ceramics are taken from the kiln while they are still glowing red hot and are then placed in a material that would be able to catch fire, such as newspaper. This technique is used to starve the piece of oxygen, which creates a myriad of colors within the glaze. 

That's right, these students were grabbing glowing-red ceramic pieces out of the kiln (with tong, of course) dropping them in metal buckets to catch fire, and further, pulling them out to drop in some cold water. It's a sight to behold! 

Here you can see some students glazing, helping with the firing, taking a s'mores break, and enjoying the fun of the day! 
Our fearless ceramic leader, Mrs. Molly Obrien-Prusa, orchestrated and lead this amazing field trip. An unforgettable learning experience!