Raku Pottery 2-Day Workshop w/Cheryl Coughlan & Julia Allen

Dates: Saturday, October 4 & Saturday, October 18, 2025
Times: October 4, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | October 18, Time TBA
Cost: $95 per student (all supplies included)
Ages: Adults & youth 13+ (youth must attend with a parent/guardian)
Class Size: Minimum 3 / Maximum 15 students

Description:
Discover the magic of Raku in this two-part ceramics workshop!

• Day One – Create (Oct. 4): Work with instructor Cheryl Coughlan to handbuild your own clay pieces—vases, sculptures, or other unique forms. Works will then be bisque fired in preparation for the Raku process.

• Day Two – Fire (Oct. 18): Return for the exciting Raku firing experience with Cheryl and ceramic artist Julia Allen. Learn about the history and process of this dramatic Japanese technique as you watch your glowing-hot pottery pulled from the kiln and transformed in smoke-filled chambers with newspaper, grasses, and other materials—creating unpredictable, one-of-a-kind finishes.

This is a rare opportunity to explore the alchemy of fire, clay, and smoke—and leave with a unique artwork you created yourself.

Supplies Provided: Raku clay, glazes, pottery tools, and firing.

Registration: Preregistration required. Class ticket sales close 48 hours before start time.

Instructor Bios:

Cheryl Coughlan has over 10 years of experience working with clay, creating both functional pottery and expressive sculptural pieces. She has extensive hands-on experience with Raku firing and enjoys guiding students through both the technical and creative process of working with clay.

Julia Allen is a native to Wallowa County.  Art was not a part of her youth and never contemplated participating in any art form until she took a pottery class in college. “Pass no Pass”.  She figured if she showed up and tried, how could they fail her.  It became her passion.  Taking it every semester until she had to transfer to complete her degree in nursing.  Fast forward 10 yrs later when married and with kids and career, she started taking pottery classes at local studio in Boise Idaho where she was residing.  After 3 – six week classes, she was “kicked out’ because she produced too many pieces for a class. Then her home studio began.  In 2020, Julia and her husband, Troy, returned to Wallowa County. She continues to explore hand building and throwing techniques.  A recent addition to her pottery collection is a Raku kiln.