Earlier this month, students in Chris Pelletier’s Ceramics courses took their work outside as they learned how to fire pieces in an outdoor Raku kiln.

Raku kilns are designed for quick firing, allowing students to heat their pieces to high temperatures and then transform them using fire and smoke. Students created vases, teapots, mugs, and more using a special clay that can withstand the thermal shock of going from room temperature to nearly 1,800 degrees in the Raku kiln. As the pieces heat up, chemical reactions triggered by the fire create unique effects on the glaze. The result is often a metallic sheen or crackled finish that sets Raku-fired pieces apart from those fired in a traditional electric kiln.

“Different processes give different results,” explained Pelletier. “I bring out students in both Ceramics I and Ceramics II so they can see what happens.”

Junior Natalie Garigen has taken Studio Art and both ceramics courses.

“I like that Penfield offers so many options for art,” she said, adding that the more advanced ceramics course has been fun because she’s learned to make bigger, more intricate pieces.

Sophomore Zoe Roth agreed, adding that she has enjoyed learning to make bowls, mugs, and vases.

Students will see their work on display at the Ceramics Exhibition 2026, running from Wednesday, June 3 through Thursday, June 11 at Canaltown Coffee Roasters (1805 East Avenue). An artists reception, to be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, will bring the community together to celebrate the students’ work.

For classmate Natalie Marino, seeing her work in a gallery environment will be a special moment.   

“The opportunity to display our art in a local coffee shop is really cool,” she said.