Smoke & Fire: Raku Pottery at Blackberry Farm on Sept. 23

AURORA – Blackberry Farm potters will host Raku Pottery Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23, bringing the ancient form of Japanese pottery- making to life for the public.

Raku pottery is created through a ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs with spectacular metallic luster effects. The process is very unpredictable, leading to the development of vivid color patterns and iridescence. As a result, no two pieces are ever alike.

For a small fee, visitors to Blackberry Farm can purchase individual pieces of pottery to glaze and decorate, then watch the Raku firing process in action. After a cooling period, the finished pottery will be available to take home. While awaiting the finished product, visitors are welcome to enjoy all of Blackberry Farm’s amenities.

The pottery making and demonstrations are included with admission to Blackberry Farm. The cost is $4.25 for resident adults, $7 for non-resident adults, $3.75 for resident children and seniors and $6 for non-resident children and seniors.

Blackberry Farm is located at 100 S. Barnes Road – south of Galena Boulevard and west of Orchard Road – in Aurora. For more information, call 630-892-1550.