Sgraffito Pottery Workshop

Wilz sgraffito potteryThe workshop will focus on the sgraffito technique used by area nineteenth century Pennsylvania German potters to make expressive designs in their folk art pottery. Sgraffito means to “scratch” and workshop participants will draw a design of their choosing in a damp clay coating on a redware plate. You can choose a traditional Pennsylvania German design or create your own design for a special occasion gift.

The class will be led by redware potter Denise Wilz, a professional potter who researches and draws her inspiration from traditional Pennsylvania German potters.  She will provide molded 7” redware plates coated with the clay slip and the sgraffito tools. After the class, the plates will be glazed and fired at her pottery and returned to the Mennonite Heritage Center for participants to pick up. Class fee is $55 ($50 members) plus a materials fee of $23 for a 7” redware plate and $30 for a 10” plate. Class participants can choose to sgraffito up to 3 plates (as time permits).

Enjoy learning this traditional craft in this one day workshop. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited.