Raku Kiln Building & Firing Workshop

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and Kimball Jenkins School of Art are partnering with Raku artist Nate Winter of Nate Winter Studios for an immersive weekend of kiln building, glaze chemistry, wheel throwing, and Western Raku firing.

Over two full workshop days, you'll learn how a working Raku kiln is built, explore the chemistry behind copper-based Raku glazes, glaze your own bisque ware, and experience the excitement of firing your work outdoors. Whether you're new to Raku or already have firing experience, the weekend is designed to give you a deeper understanding of both the science and hands-on process behind the technique.

The Weekend at a Glance

Friday, September 17: Artist Talk, Cocktail Hour & Meet & Greet · 6:30–8:30 PM

Kick off the weekend with a relaxed evening with Nate, workshop participants, and the local community. Learn more about Nate's work, Raku practice, glaze chemistry research, and upcoming documentary project while hanging out, connecting, and asking questions.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the program running from 6:30–8:30 PM. Free and open to the public. Bring a friend!

Saturday, September 18: Kiln Building, Glaze Chemistry, Glazing & Wheel Demonstration · 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Spend Saturday diving into the process behind Raku. Nate will lead a kiln-building demonstration, present his research into the color spectrum and chemistry of copper carbonate-based Raku glazes, demonstrate wheel throwing, and guide participants through glazing and preparing their work for firing.

All glazed work will remain at Kimball Jenkins overnight in preparation for Sunday's firing.

Sunday, September 19: Raku Firing & Alternative Firing Techniques · 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Sunday is firing day. Spend the day firing your work while exploring Western Raku, Obvara (also known as Baltic Raku), and smoke-firing techniques using horsehair, sugar, and feathers. Participants will experience multiple firings throughout the day and take home their finished work at the end of the workshop.

Bisque Ware Requirements

Students are responsible for creating or acquiring their own pottery and having all pieces bisque fired at their own expense prior to the workshop.

• Participants may bring up to 5 fully bisque-fired pieces, each no larger than approximately 5 × 5 × 5 inches.

• All work must be bisque fired between Cone 06 and Cone 04 and arrive ready for glazing.

Larger pieces may count as two pieces and must be approved in advance.

Small jewelry, pendants, ornaments, or similar items may be accommodated in place of the five-piece allowance, but must be approved in advance based on the kiln space and firing setup required.

After registration, participants will receive detailed guidelines covering recommended clay bodies, forms, dimensions, wall thickness, bisque preparation, PPE, and other best practices. A true Raku clay body is strongly recommended, particularly for horsehair and white crackle techniques.

Optional Add-On: Build & Take Home Your Own Raku Kiln · $1,250

Want to leave the workshop with the equipment and training to continue Raku firing on your own?

For an additional $1,250, participants can purchase a complete Raku kiln package that will be built during the workshop and taken home afterward. The package will be fully equipped with the necessary components to begin firing independently after the workshop.

Nate will guide you through the kiln-building process and provide hands-on training in setup, operation, and safe firing practices throughout the weekend.

Two participants may also choose to purchase a kiln together and share ownership.

Kiln packages must be ordered and paid for no later than August 23, 2027 so materials can be sourced and staged before the workshop.

What to Bring

• Up to 5 fully bisque-fired pieces, bisque fired between Cone 06 and Cone 04
• Basic safety gear (PPE); a complete PPE list will be provided before the event
• A stack or two of newspaper for reduction, if you can
• Clothes you don't mind getting smoky
• Closed-toe shoes
• Appropriate clothing that provides coverage when working around heat and flame
• No loose-fitting, dangling, or easily flammable clothing
• Long hair must be securely tied back when participating near active firing areas
• Food, snacks, and drinks for yourself throughout the workshop.

Good to Know

• Workshop space is limited to 24 participants.
• Raku glazes are included.
• The workshop runs rain or shine, with covered working and firing areas. Severe lightning is the only weather condition that would pause workshop activity.
• Participants will be required to sign a liability and photo release waiver before participating in workshop activities.

About the Instructor

Nate Winter is a ceramic artist, educator, and musician based in Southern Maine. He holds bachelor's degrees in Fine Art and Business Management from Saint Joseph's College of Maine, graduating in 2017 with an Award of Excellence.

Nate specializes in Raku firing and high-end functional pottery and has spent more than 14 years working with Raku, completing more than 1,000 Raku firings throughout his practice.

A major focus of his current work is researching copper carbonate-based Raku glaze chemistry and exploring how understanding the predictability of chemistry can help demystify a firing process often perceived as random.

Beyond his studio practice, Nate teaches through private workshops, kiln-building programs, and online ceramics education. His online platforms have drawn more than 50 million views and 150,000+ followers across social media.

His 2027 workshop tour is also helping support an independent documentary series exploring the 400-year history of Raku, documenting the people, places, traditions, and evolution of the process.

Follow Nate Winter Studios @natewinterstudios on all platforms to learn more about his work, research, and firing techniques before the workshop.

Please note: bank charges will most likely appear as SQ *TICKETING CONCORD NH