This workshop, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10 am to 3:30 pm at Schwenkfelder Heritage Center, will focus on the sgraffito technique used by 18th and 19th 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 bag 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 redware 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. You can see her work on her website - wilzpottery.com

Registration is required for this workshop. The workshop fee is $60 plus $36 for a 7” plate or $48 for a 10” plate. The registration deadline is September 14.