Redware Sgraffito Workshop with Denise Wilz

Historic Rock Ford welcomes Denise Wilz for a workshop on Redware Sgraffito. The sgraffito technique was 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 is required.

The participants will have the option to sgraffito 7" or 10" redware plates coated with white clay slip. The plates and all 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 4-5 weeks. Participants will be notified when the plates are ready. Pick up finished work at the workshop site or shipped to participant for an additional cost of $12. (Participants can bring this payment to the workshop if they want shipping. Otherwise, pickup at Rock Ford is free of charge.)

Bring a bagged lunch to the workshop.

This workshop will be held in the Langmuir Education Center on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn.

Fees are non-refundable. Registration closes on August 31. No walk-ins accepted on the date of the workshop.

About the Workshop Leader: Denise Wilz has been making redware since 2002. She has a degree in Studio Art from Moravian University. She loves the deep rich color of red clay and continues to refine her skills each day. Denise is a Master Artisan of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and is included in the Directory of Traditional American Crafts presented by Early American Life magazine.