By Amelia — October 10, 2025
Last Friday, as I waited for one of my sculptures to be fired in the Raku kiln, I found myself watching the mesmerizing rhythm of the process and the teamwork that makes it all possible. Our own Bob Napack, along with dedicated volunteers like Pat Bettendorf, Richard Moran, and others, give their time and expertise to make Raku days such a success.
The energy is joyful and cooperative — some club members gather to watch the glowing pieces emerge, while others lend a hand tearing paper for the reduction chambers. Still, this event could always use a few more helping hands! If you’re interested in volunteering, it’s a wonderful way to learn and be part of the creative magic.
When preparing a piece for Raku, keep in mind that the sculpture should be under 15 inches tall and weigh no more than 5 pounds. The long tongs used for lifting add leverage, making heavier pieces difficult to handle safely.
The kiln fires to a brilliant 1,800 degrees, and after about 20 minutes, each red-hot piece is lifted out and placed into a galvanized reduction chamber. There, surrounded by smoke and flame, the glazes begin their dramatic transformation — revealing the distinctive metallics, crackles, and unpredictable beauty of Raku. There are around 20 glazes available, each with its own personality. For my own piece, I chose Tutti Fruitti and Red Green Lustre — both rich with shimmering metallic tones.
The kiln itself is a work of art, beautifully built by Sabine, one of our talented staff members. When I asked her how she learned to create such an impressive kiln, she smiled and said it was while working at the Festival of the Arts. The design features dual heat inputs, allowing for faster, more even circulation so the pieces mature beautifully and efficiently.
The kiln tender monitors both a pyrometer and the flame itself — a blend of science and intuition guiding each firing. Watching it all feels like witnessing alchemy: earth, air, fire, and water combining to create something completely unique every time.
If you’ve never experienced a Raku firing, come watch, help, or better yet — create a piece of your own. It’s a celebration of art, community, and the beautiful unpredictability of flame.