An Asian-American woman in a pottery studio with other people working on a piece of clay

Pottery

Pottery Programs

MSCR Pottery Sale – December 12-15, 2024

Join MSCR at our MSCR West facility for the 2024 Pottery Sale. This sale showcases over thousands of pottery created by MSCR instructors, pottery participants and local ceramic artists. Proceeds benefit the MSCR Pottery Program. Find the perfect gift this holiday season and shop local!

MSCR West
7333 West Towne Way
Madison, WI 53719

December 12 & 13, 8am – 6pm
Dec. 14, 10am – 3pm
Dec. 15, 10am – 2pm

Pottery Classes & Workshops

MSCR offers Pottery Classes, Try Its, Workshops and Open Pottery Studio (OPS). OPS is available for participants who have taken at least one MSCR pottery class and be approved by the pottery coordinator.  Studio time is available at Warner Park Community Recreation Center and MSCR West. Please call 204-3021 for more information.

Register now for Pottery classes – enter “pottery” in the Activity Search field

Open Pottery Studio at Warner Park CRC 

Non-instructional, open lab for those potters who are able to work independently. Must have advanced pottery and glazing skills, as well as pre-approval from Pottery Coordinator (Warner Park CRC: 608-204-3045) at least 3 days prior to registering.  Failure to obtain pre-approval delays registration.  Studio is available Monday – Friday when pottery classes are not scheduled and additional weekend hours are available at Warner Park CRC.  Fee includes use of tools, firing, glaze and 25 lbs. of clay.   WPCRC ID REQUIRED FOR CLASSES HELD AT Warner Park CRC.

Raku Kiln – Not Available at this time. 

The MSCR Pottery Program received a grant from Friends of MSCR Grant to purchase and install a Raku Kiln. Raku is a Japanese firing technique that became popular in the 1950s. Americans have kept the general firing process, but formed their own unique style of vibrant colored Raku. Raku firing offers an immediate end result, taking only one hour to complete. The technique involves removing pottery from a hot kiln and allowing it to cool in the open air or in a container filled with combustible material.

Hand made pottery vasesRaku Fire Workshops – Not Available at this time. 

Raku firing offers an immediate end result, taking only one hour to complete.  The technique involves removing pottery from a hot kiln and allowing it to cool in the open air or in a container filled with combustible material.  Each participant needs to bring 4-5 bisqued items or half of one shelf (half of a 21 inch diameter) and no taller than 12 inches.  A sizing chart is available on site. Glaze included.  All registrants must wear closed toe shoes, long denim pants and long sleeve shirt. Long hair must be pulled back into a braided pony or a bun.  If you have questions, please call 204-3045.

Scott Dickinson Memorial Wood Kiln 

MSCR originally built the wood kiln in 2003 which served our ceramics community for 15 years. In the Spring of 2018, MSCR rebuilt the Scott Dickinson Memorial Wood Kiln with funds raised from the annual pottery sale and a grant from the Friends of MSCR. The new kiln has increased capacity and a rolling door.

Wood Fire Workshops  

Participants get one shelf of space, approximately 12” x 24”. On the first day, glaze bisqued pots & help load kiln. MSCR provides wood fire glazes and wood ash. An instructor is on site to facilitate glazing of pots. On the second day, pots are fired by an experienced kiln boss. Participants can watch the firing process any time that day between 9am – 12pm. Work is ready for pick up approximately four days after the firing. For more questions regarding space and non-MSCR glazes, please contact mlhutchinson@madison.k12.wi.us.

For upcoming workshops, please check www.mscr.org or call 608-204-3021.

Madison School & Community Recreation