The Andrew & Laura McCAin Art Gallery is thrilled to be hosting visiting artist Giorgio Azzaretti.

Giorgio Azzaretti is visiting Carleton County  for the month of June 2024, from his ceramic studio in Ravenna, Italy. He shared his knowledge and expertise through a series of workshops for all levels of interest and experience. With assistance from Jenna Ross, he has been an enormous help setting up the gallery’s new Raku kilns, helping Jenna learn a bit more about the process and what is possible. The Gallery looks forward to hosting more Raku instructors in the future.

A bit about RAKU:

Raku is an exciting pottery technique involving red hot pots and combustible materials which can create dramatic
effects. Raku dates back to 16th century Japan, although “Western-style raku” has put its own variations on the
technique. Raku firing is known for its unpredictability, and each piece is one-of-a-kind! Raku firing is one of the
most natural pottery techniques, embracing imperfection and employing all of nature’s elements: earth, fire, air,
and water.

The word raku translated to English means: ‘happiness in the accident’, pleasure, enjoyment, delight!

The RAKU Workshop with Giorgio Azzaretti

The workshop is over four days, June 1, 8,15 & 16. It included all materials, and everyone made pots to take home.

Meet Giorgio at Clay Drop-In on May 30, 6-8pm for a clay “Smash”. Registration required that day, $20, all inclusive, “newbies” welcome!

If you’d like to see the beautiful objects everyone made, drop in to the  River Art Centre in Florenceville-Bristol on June 15, 2024 from 6-7:30 pm.

The students and Giorgio will be there to explain the various processes they used to ry their hands at three different Raku styles. Everyone is welcome.