Redware Sgraffito Plate Workshop

Redware Sgraffito Plate Workshop

Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville

Saturday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This workshop will focus on the sgraffito technique used by eighteenth and nineteenth century Pennsylvania German potters to make expressive designs in their folk art pottery. Sgraffito means to “scratch” and workshop participants will draw and scratch a design on a redware plate. Participants can choose a traditional Pennsylvania German design or create their own! No experience required.
The participants have the option to sgraffito 7” or 10″ redware plates coated with white clay slip; limit of 3 plates as time permits.  All the sgraffito tools and books for ideas are provided or bring your own. After the workshop, the plates will be dried, glazed, and fired – this takes 4-6 weeks.  Participants will be notified when the plates are ready. Pick up finished work at the workshop site, at the studio in Macungie by appointment or shipped to participant for an additional cost. Bring a bagged lunch.

The Workshop Leader

Denise Wilz has been creating Pennsylvania Redware since 2002.  She has a degree in Studio Art from Moravian University and was a computer programmer and craft hobbyist prior to embarking on a career as a potter.  She is a Master Artisan of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and is currently on the PGC board. Denise is also included in the Directory of Traditional American Crafts presented by Early American Life.  Her article Pennsylvania Redware was published in the Pottery Making Illustrated March/April 2008 issue and it has been included in three additional publications by the American Ceramic Society in 2008, 2015 and 2016. Learn more at wilzpottery.com

Registration Due by May 5

Sign up here

Workshop and 7″ Plate: $101 for members ($111 for nonmembers)
Workshop and 10″ Plate: $113 for members ($123 for nonmembers)

Additional materials available (up to 2 additional plates)

7″ Plate: $36
10″ Plate: $48