Day 238: Clayworks
Every piece they sell is an original art form made by 1 of the 40 members of this pottery cooperative, and fired in one of their many different kilns. Most commonly used is the electric kiln, which reaches temperatures of 2264 degrees f, and is the fastest way to fire clay. They also have a gas kiln, which takes slightly longer than electric, but because of something called a “reduction cycle”, where the ratio of gas and oxygen are controlled, an abundance of co2 is present which brings out distinctive qualities in the glaze.
Clayworks also offers classes to learn all sorts of different pottery techniques, including wheel throwing, hand building and glazing.
Whatever your interests – getting in touch with your inner artist, shopping, collecting, or just plain learning something new, Clayworks has it. Visit their website clayworkspottery.net or call 517-626-1160 to learn more about their members, classes and store hours. ~Angela Voss, Feature Writer