Earth, Flour, Fire: Obvara Pottery

With Shan Wang and Sarah Sprouse

April 5 - 7, 2024

Date and Time Details: April 5-7th

Location: Grunewald Guild Pottery Studio

Address: 19003 River Rd, Leavenworth, WA, USA

Contact: Sarah Sprouse
director@grunewaldguild.com
5097633696

What can I expect to create?:
You can expect to create up to 3 pieces with Obvara. Note that this workshop is not for production potters creating a high volume of work.

Do I need experience to take this class?:
This class is for all experience-level makers. Participants can choose between more independent work or with more instruction and guidance.

What do I need to bring to class?:
CLOSED-TOE SHOES! You will be around sharp objects and heavy equipment. For your safety, we require closed-toe shoes. If you don’t have closed-toe shoes you will be asked to change or leave.
Long hair must be tied or put up.
WE WILL BE WORKING AROUND OPEN FLAME Please wear long sleeves and pants, preferably made of natural fibers (wool, cotton, linen, etc.) that are less flammable.

Course Fee:
$50 to $350 depending on the Course Fee level selected

  • Commuter – $55.00
  • Cabin – $385.00
  • Private Queen Room + Shared Bath – $305.00
  • Private Twin Room + Shared Bath – $305.00
  • Shared Room + Shared Bath – $195.00
  • Library Dorm – $145.00

Obvara is a pottery firing and surface sealing technique that originates from Eastern Europe in the 12th century. Obvara was used to seal low fire, porous clays. This process begins by firing the earthenware up to at least 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. Pieces are pulled out of the kiln and dipped into a fermented yeast mixture then immediately into cold water. This process creates a finish on the surface of the clay which seals any pores, making it functional as a vessel for storing water and other liquids. Today, Obvara is a primarily decorative technique, some potters continue to use wares made with Obvara by applying a coating of beeswax to improve its longevity.

Want to make your own Obvara pottery?  If so, this is the workshop for you! Obvara Pottery will be a guided exploration of the firing process. This is not a form building class, we will only be focused on decorating and firing pieces. You are welcome to make bisqued pottery and bring it to class. We will also provide pottery pieces for students to use and take home.

If you make your own piece please limit them to these dimensions or less: 8in x 8in x 12in (length x width x height).

Financial assistance is available.  Please fill out a Financial Assistance Application within 24 hours of your registration.

About the Faculty

Shan Wang

Shan (b. 2000, United States) received a B.F.A in painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, GA) in 2022. She works with acrylic media as well as sculptural and functional ceramics. Glastellar exhibits her work in group exhibitions nationally. She has worked as an Education and Curatorial Intern at the Smithsonian Asian […]

Learn more about Shan Wang

Sarah Sprouse

Sarah Sprouse is a visual artist, educator, and art historian from the greater Seattle area. She holds a MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History from Azusa Pacific University. Her work can be found in the permanent collections of Edmonds College, the University of Montana, and the City of Spokane. Sarah is passionate about creative […]

Learn more about Sarah Sprouse

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