Raku-Fest Is Back At The Art Center

The Art Center welcomes back Raku-Fest on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, from 9 AM-5 PM. Raku-fest is open to the public and will be led by raku-expert Peter Syak, and instructor Lisette Bedoya. Raku is a firing process originally developed in 16th-century Japan, in which red-hot ceramic pieces come out of the kiln and go directly into a container of combustible materials. The heat of the ceramic causes the material to ignite, and the resulting smoke creates one-of-a-kind results in the ceramic glaze. Beginners will be able to purchase pre-made pieces to paint and fire the day of the event, while students will be able to fire their own work made with raku clay purchased from the Art Center.

"The Art Center will showcase a thrilling artmaking technique at Raku-Fest," said Cassandra Demski, the Director of Studio School. "We're excited to allow visitors to see raku in action and also to engage with the process firsthand. Visitors can purchase and glaze a piece at the event, and our expert artists will fire the work. This is a truly unique opportunity for the public because of the technical skill needed to pull off a perfect raku firing."

Visit artcenternj.org for more information.

For 85 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center's renowned Studio School, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youth, families, seniors, and people with special needs every year.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, New Jersey. Adult and children's group tours are available throughout the year. Gallery Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 AM-5 PM; Thursday, 10 AM-8 PM; and Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM-4 PM. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours.

Major support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided in part by the Walter V. & Judith L. Shipley Family Foundation, the Wilf Family Foundations, and Art Center members and donors.