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The Hockaday Museum is pleased to showcase the fine work of seven Flathead
Valley artists specializing in the art of Raku, where the pots
are fired quickly in a small kiln.
After their glazes melt they are removed red-hot and placed in contact
with a combustible material such as leaves, straw, or pine needles,
and allowed to cool.
The unique patterning and rich metallic colors are the result of the
interaction between the smoky atmosphere and rapid cooling down. Copper
carbonate and cobalt are often employed to make distinctive peacock
hues.
The artists on display include Chris Riebe, Betsey Hurd, Sherry Wells,
Deborah Blaney, Jeff Wilson, Marty Christiansen, Charles Davis, and
a special piece by Archie Bray Foundation stalwart Kurt Weiser.
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Bisque pot, with a fresh glaze, in a portable kiln on
Jan. 23, 3003 -- ready to be fired for the opening reception.
The same pot, fresh from Raku
firing and cooling.
See how the copper glaze turned color, and the red clay blackened
after an hour in the 1750 degree heat of the kiln.
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