Learn the techniques used by 18th- and 19th-century Pennsylvania German potters during a folk art class with the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. Denise Wilz, a local potter, will teach a workshop on redware sgraffito decoration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27. The class costs $70 for society members and $80 for nonmembers and includes all materials. Advanced registration is required and may be completed by calling 717-393-9745.
Sgraffito, meaning "to scratch," is a decorative form of pottery using pieces layered with contrasting colors of clay, such as red and white. The top layer is scraped away to create high contrast designs. During the class, participants can choose a traditional Pennsylvania German design or imagine their own.
Participants have the option to etch seven or 10-inch redware plates coated with white clay slips and will be able to work with up to two plates. After the workshop, the plates will be glazed, fired and returned to the society for pick up. For an additional fee, they can be shipped directly to participants.
The class will be held at the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society located at 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, Pa.
This class is part of the Lancaster Roots 2016 program, which represents joint events organized by the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society and the 1719 Hans Herr House and Museum.