Burn, baby, burn.
Once a month we pull pots from the kiln at bright red heat and drop them, glowing, into smoke. Fire, chance, and a little controlled chaos — open to members, students, and the public alike.
$165 per firingFire, smoke,
and chance.
Raku is a low-firing process inspired by traditional Japanese techniques tied to the tea ceremony and Buddhist philosophy. Western-style raku pulls pottery from the kiln at bright red heat and sets it into containers packed with combustible materials. As they ignite and the containers are sealed, an intense reduction atmosphere transforms the colors of glaze and clay.
The rapid cooling and dramatic thermal shock leave behind crackle — deliberate cracks that add texture and life to each piece. Every firing is a little different, and that unpredictability is the whole point.
What you get in a
Raku Firing.
A full day of firing with staff support, safety gear, and our specialty glazes — all in.
Firing limits & sizes
Each participant may bring up to 8 pieces for Raku firing. The included bisque firing covers up to 2,000 cubic inches; individual pieces must not exceed 11" tall and 8" in diameter. Raku-fired work is not food-safe.
Bisque firing, measurement & extra space
The 2,000 cu. in. limit applies to the included bisque only. All work must be bone-dry and dropped off no later than the Sunday before your firing. If your bisque exceeds the allowance, more space can be purchased at $0.10 per cu. in., or $50 for an additional 1,500 cu. in. Measurement tickets help you calculate, and must be completed at bisque drop-off or on arrival for glazing.
Glazes & surface techniques
Access to 12 in-house specialty Raku glazes, plus room to experiment with naked raku slip, horsehair, sugar, and terra sigillata. You're welcome to bring your own raku glaze — just apply it at least 24 hours ahead so it's fully dry.
The firing process
4–5 firings using two Laguna Raku kilns and post-reduction chambers set up in the parking lot. Bring your own combustibles to explore different atmospheric effects (just check with our team first). All pieces must be fully glazed and shelved by Saturday evening for Sunday firing, with glaze completely dry before entering the kiln.
Equipment & hospitality
Full staff support throughout. We supply sanitized safety goggles, flame-resistant gloves, aprons, and tongs — or bring your own protective gear if you prefer.
Next at the kiln.
$165 per participant, per firing — held about once a month. Tap a date to register on Acuity.
More 2026 dates are added regularly — join the waitlist to hear first.
A private firing, just for you.
A private Raku session for you or a group. The price includes two Raku guides to help make the process as efficient as possible while producing the best results, plus access to all our glazes as well as equipment, gas, trash bins, towels, and everything else — we just want to be transparent about our pricing.
Our staff sets up and cleans up everything. All you have to do is bring your work, glaze it, and show up on the day of the firing. We'll take care of the rest.
Raku questions.
Everything from clay bodies to bringing a friend along to watch.
How often do you hold Raku firings?
Once a month. Upcoming dates are posted here — join the waitlist below to be notified.
Can you bisque my pieces before the firing?
Yes, at no additional charge. The 2,000 cubic inch limit applies to the included bisque firing only.
All work must be bone dry and dropped off no later than the Sunday prior to your scheduled firing. Late work cannot be guaranteed inclusion.
If your bisque exceeds the 2,000 cubic inch allowance, additional space may be purchased at:
- $0.10 per cubic inch, or
- $50 for an additional 1,500 cubic inches
Measurement tickets will be provided to help you calculate the cubic inches of your work. Tickets must be completed at the time of bisque drop-off or upon arrival for glazing.
What kind of clay can I use for Raku?
Any clay body rated above cone 5. We recommend a clay with sand or grog to better withstand thermal shock. All pieces must be bisqued before firing — greenware cannot go in a Raku kiln.
When can I come in to glaze?
We email all participants the Monday before their firing with glazing-day details — usually the Friday or Saturday beforehand. Can't make it? Reach out and we'll do our best to accommodate another day.
Can I bring my own glazes or combustibles?
Yes to both. Apply your own glaze at least 24 hours ahead so it's fully dry — bringing it to glaze on-site works well. For combustibles, just check in with our team so we can confirm they're safe to use. We also provide horsehair and slip for naked raku.
Are firings open to the public? Can I bring a friend?
Yes — we love welcoming new friends. A friend is welcome to attend as a spectator, though we can only fire work registered for the session.
Cancellation policy
Read the full cancellation policy →
All refunds incur a $20 charge. Because of the preparation involved, please cancel at least two weeks before your firing for a full refund minus the $20 processing fee. Cancellations within two weeks receive a 50% refund; within one week, no refund. We don't transfer or hold credits. Thank you for understanding.
Join the Raku waitlist.
Firings fill quickly. Add your name and we'll reach out the moment a spot opens for an upcoming date.