Visiting Artist Workshop

Steven Branfman
RAKU IN THE CARIBBEAN!
Maho Bay Clay Works hosts, Steven Branfman, well known raku clay artist, writer, and teacher, for 2 special workshop opportunities:
Visiting Artist Workshop

Week Long “Hands On” Workshop is May 2-8
Steven will be Clay Artist-in-Residence for the week working side by side with you in a personal setting. We will build Raku kilns and discuss kiln design. Participate in Steven’s “No Frenzy Raku” style of firing. Use recycled glass in your surfaces. Learn to produce striking glaze effects with formulas and post firing techniques. In addition to the work you produce at our studio, each student may bring 2 pieces of Raku clay bisque ware dimensions 6” x 6” or smaller.
 
Includes all the weekend workshop activities, 25# Raku Clay, glazes, firing, use of studio 6am-10pm and use of studio tools. Students should bring their own tools and bats however as amounts are limited. Tools are also available for sale at the studio.
 
Hands-on Workshop Tuition and Studio Fees: $600.00
Clay Studio Members discounted price is $525.00
 
WEEKEND DEMONSTRATION WORKSHOP is May 6-8
 This part of the Raku in the Caribbean Workshop will commence Friday at 5pm with a reception and from 7-9pm for demonstrations. During the weekend Steven will show us his forming, surface decoration, glazing and firing techniques developed over his almost 30 years as clay artist and teacher. There will be a slide show of his work, discussion and time for your questions. All students can bring 2 pieces of Raku bisque ware dimensions 6” x 6” or smaller which you may glaze and we will fire for you. If you live locally, Raku clay and bisque firing is available for purchase at Maho Bay Clay Works.
 
Weekend Workshop Tuition and Studio Fees: $270.00
Clay Studio Members discounted price is $250.00
 
STEVEN BRANFMAN is the founder director of The Potter’s Shop and School in Needham, MA. He is the author of Raku: A Practical Approach and The Potter’s Professional Handbook. He has been a full time clay artist and teacher since 1975. His work is in many museums and private collections. He holds a master’s degree from Rhode Island School of Design. Steve is a highly acclaimed ceramic artist and workshop presenter specializing in Raku techniques and Maho Bay Clay Works is delighted to bring him to teach in the Virgin Islands. When we’re not working in the studio we can chill out by swimming, sailing, snorkeling or scuba diving in our beautiful turquoise waters or just “limin” on the beach.
 
BRANFMAN’S Philosophy: “to enjoy the journey, not simply strive to reach a destination”

Contact Us for more information or to sign up!

Accommodation rates for Visiting Artist Workshops only:
Please see www.maho.org for photos of accommodations.
Maho Bay Camps Tent-Cottages for Visiting Artist Workshop participants the special rate is:
$60.00 per night for double occupancy
$12.00 per night for one additional person
$37.50 per night for Local Residents
Harmony Studios (located above Maho Bay) are available at their normal rates.

Eco tents have 2 burner propane stove and ice chest. For family members not participating in the workshop, many other activities are available at Maho Bay Camps including art and craft classes for children and adults, water sports, hiking and tours of the island.

*if this type of lodging doesn't appeal to you please contact us
*if you are interested in sharing the cost of a room with someone please contact us

FOOD
Continental breakfasts and bagged lunches will be available each day and included in workshop tuition.
The outdoor restaurant on camp also serves breakfast and dinner every day with a variety of healthful meals, including at least one vegetarian entree. The dining area has one of the Virgin Islands' most unforgettable views, especially at sunset. The Maho Bay Store is stocked with frozen foods, some produce, canned goods, breads, dairy, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine and various sundries and boutique items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, recycled paper products, etc.

SHIPPING
Packing materials and shipping will be available at the end of workshop at an additional charge.

CANCELLATION POLICY and REFUNDS
If you must cancel a workshop up to two weeks prior to the workshop, we will return your registration deposit, less a $30 processing fee. No refunds will be made for any cancellations made less than 2 weeks prior to the workshop.

Please book as soon as possible to reserve your lodging.
To book your workshop and/or lodging please contact Maho Bay Camps Toll Free 1-800-392-9004
or for more information about the workshops contact Gail or Jill at Maho Bay Clay Works 340-776-6226 ext 226 or email us!
 

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE for WORKSHOP
Monday 5/2:
9:00 am - Workshop begins with a continental breakfast and introductions. Participants will get set up and start working in the studio with Steven.
1:00 pm - Lunch and swim break. (Bag lunches included each day.)
2:00 pm - Return to studio and continue working with Steven.
After 5:00 pm - The rest of the evening is free time for you. You will be on your own for dinner. Either choosing to eat at the restaurant at Maho, cook in your tent camp-style, or gather some people together to dine at a local restaurant in town. The clay studio will also be open each night until 10:00 pm for participants to continue working.

Tuesday 5/3:
7:00 am - Studio opens for those wishing to get an early start, closes at 10:00 pm
9:00 am - Continental breakfast in studio. (Full breakfast is available for purchase at the Maho Bay Restaurant from 7:30 - 9:30 am each morning.)
9:30 am - Work in studio with Steven.
1:00 pm - Head down to the beach to enjoy a swim and eat some lunch.
2:00 pm - Continue working in studio with Steven.
After 5:00 pm  - Free time for you and dinner on your own.

Wednesday 5/4:
7:00 am - Studio opens all day until 10:00 pm.
9:00 am - Continental breakfast in studio.
9:30 am - Work in studio with Steven.
1:00 pm - Lunch and swim break.
2:00 pm - Continue working in studio with Steven.
After 5:00 pm  - Free time for you and dinner on your own.

Thursday 5/5:
7:00 am - Studio opens and will be open all day until 10:00 pm.
9:00 am - Continental breakfast.
9:30 pm - Start kiln building with Steven.
1:00 pm - Head down to the beach for lunch and hop aboard Ocean Quest Dive Boat for an afternoon of snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing!
Evening - Free time and dinner on your own.

Friday 5/6:
7:00 am - Studio opens and will be open all day until 10:00 pm.
9:00 am - Continental breakfast.
9:30 am - Finish kiln building with Steven.
1:00 pm - Grab your bag lunch and the rest of the afternoon is free time.
5:00 pm - Informal ?Happy Hour? at studio for weekend workshop commencement
Break for dinner.
7:00 pm - Evening slide presentation and reception.

Saturday 5/7:
7:00 am - Studio opens and will be open all day until 10:00 pm.
9:00 am - Continental breakfast.
9:30 pm - All day demos. Steven will throw, talk about his life, work, techniques, glazing and firing.
1:00 pm - Lunch and swim break.  
2:00 pm - Return to studio and continue with demos.
Evening - A group night out! Catch a ride on Hamilton's Taxi out to Coral Bay for dinner and some Virgin Island night life.

Sunday 5/8:
7:00 am - Studio opens and will be open all day until 10:00 pm.
9:00 am - Continental breakfast.
9:30 am - Steven will finish work made Saturday. Group starts glazing and firing.
1:00 pm - Lunch and swim break.  
2:00 pm - Continue and finish glazing and firing of work.
Evening  - Show of work fired in the studio.

PLAN YOUR OWN WORKSHOP!
For groups who would like to bring their own instructor and student group to Maho Bay Clay Works, the clay studio is available with a minimum 3 month advance booking. Clay, glazes, firing and tech assistance available. Call for details.