The Magic of Fire
Who: This workshop is designed for all skill levels.
Where: Session one, Event Room 4495 Happy Valley Road; session two, 4488 William Head Road, Metchosin.
When: Session one, April 18, 2026, 1-4 pm; session two, May 2, 2026, 1-4 pm
Cost: $80
There is a special discount for adult and youth/child combo. If an adult wants to bring a child or youth (16 years and under), the adult will pay $80, and there will be an additional charge of only $20 for the youth/child. To register see buttons below
Workshop Presenter: Esther Drone
Metchosin ArtPod is offering a two-part hands-on pottery workshop: The Magic of Fire. In Session One on Saturday, April 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, participants will create simple ceramic objects, such as pinch pots. The vessels will be bisque-fired by instructor Esther Drone and brought to a second session on Saturday, May 2, from 1 to 4 pm, where they will be fired in a low-tech, centuries-old process of smoke firing. Participants will leave with a finished decorative item that could outlast empires. This two-part workshop is suitable for all ages and levels of experience; an adult must accompany children.
Making Workshop: Saturday, April 18, 1:00 at 4495 Happy Valley Road in the Event Room
We will utilize a range of clay hand-building techniques to create pinch pots. Some will be fan-dried to a leather-hard stage, allowing them to be burnished, which results in a glossy surface. Besides pinch pots, other objects, such as small shakers, whistles, and bells, can also be made.
Smoke Firing: Saturday, May 2, 1:00 at 4488 William Head Road, Metchosin
We will load pieces into cans using combustible materials such as sawdust shavings and newspaper layered in between. This will be ignited and allowed to slowly burn down, forcing smoke into the porous pieces. Several large cans will be used, as well as small individual cans.
All materials and tools will be provided (clay, tools, metal cans, combustible materials). There will be one small metal (paint-sized) can per participant to take home.