Experimental Urchin Glaze Workshop with Leila Al-Hemali

This 3-hour workshop will focus on making glaze using urchin tests and spines instead of commercially mined calcium carbonate. It is simultaneously a deep dive into calcium carbonate’s role in glaze chemistry and in ocean chemistry. As a potter, it is a chance to connect the story of your work to the story of kelp forest loss happening below the shore break in the Pacific Ocean. Leila will teach three different techniques she used to incorporate the kelp environment into her glazes during her ceramics residency at Cobb Mountain Art & Ecology. The workshop includes 3 small bisqued cylinders to glaze with the experimental glazes made during the workshop, and, for an additional fee, firing in a wood/soda kiln at the MAC. You are welcome to bring your own bisque-ware to glaze, being mindful of size.