Meet The Artist – Fabulous North Georgia Event February 27 – 28

by | Feb 11, 2010 | General

Jared and Janet invite you to come and meet us, along with a wide variety of local artists later this month!

The Currahee Artists’ Guild will have their annual Meet the Artist show and sale on Friday, Feb. 27 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10-5 p.m. in The Studio on Doyle Street in downtown Toccoa.

There will be live music and refreshments on Friday night and refreshments on Saturday. A variety of media wil be for sale on both days, and the participating artists will be available to meet you and discuss their work.

In addition to the show, the guild will have a miniature Show fundraiser with original artwork being donated by the guild members. Tickets can be purchased prior and during the show for $5 each or 6 for $25 and the drawing will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m. You do not have to be present to win.

For more information about the show, please cal 706.886.6138 or email kevintoc(at)windstream.net.

or check out these flyers:

www.mainstreettoccoa.com/PDFs/2009agfundraiser.jpg

www.mainstreettoccoa.com/PDFs/2009curraheeartist.doc

Raku Firing

by | Jan 21, 2010 | General

Lifefire hosts periodic Raku firings for potters and art enthusiasts alike.  Absolutely no experience is necessary, and raku is appropriate for all ages!  Raku refers to a Japanese process of firing that uses fire and smoke to create unique finished works of art.  To begin, a piece is thrown or hand-built and bisque fired.  On the day of the Raku, participants select their favorite pieces and glaze them with specific glazes that melt at about 1800 degrees.  The pieces are then placed in a propane powered kiln and fired until the glaze melts, then they are moved to a reduction can which contains combustable materials like hay or newspaper.  After the materials in the can catch fire, a lid is placed securely on the can, sealing the pottery inside.  This reduction in oxygen within the can, draws the oxygen from the wares and their glazes as well, creating the recognizable “raku look” of the finished piece.

Raku is for the unpredictable!  The term Raku itself means “ease” or “enjoyment” and after one firing, you’ll see why!  Glazes can be red in one firing and blue in another!  The thermal shockcan sometimes cause the entire piece to crack during the process, but the entire event is relaxing and the energy is always positive.

Raku is perfect for a family outing!  The theme of the day is community!  The entire process takes only a few hours, and you need no reservation to attend.  Firing begins at 10:00 a.m. and continues until the last piece is finished – usually late in the evening.  Each participant will bring a favorite snack to enjoy as we share together.  The firings are held at our home and studio at 2145 Prather Bridge Rd., Toccoa GA 30577.  We fire rain or shine on our scheduled days.