Raku pottery has rich, gleaming colors. Zero Sullivan Arts will host a Raku session on Feb. 11. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison Arts Council (MAC) invites residents to learn the centuries-old art form of Raku pottery at Zero Sullivan Arts.

The Raku class will be held on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. Zero Sullivan Arts’ address is 4136-A Sullivan St., located at the intersection of Sullivan and Main streets in downtown Madison.

Class participants will complete two pieces of pottery. “The fee is $50, and it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day,” MAC President Shrail Heinrich said. Classroom space is limited.

Raku dates to a 16th-century Japanese monk who fired bowls with unique shapes, textures and surfaces for the Japanese tea ceremony. Oxidation causes the variations.

Traditional firing in a kiln firing requires many hours. However, Raku firings are much quicker and completed at extremely high temperatures. The firings often are scheduled as social events.

Zero Sullivan Arts potters have visited Bob Jones High School with their firing equipment and tools. Art students observed as the potters stepped the students’ glazed pieces through various chain reactions.

Zero Sullivan Arts is a working art studio and gallery and is open by chance or appointment. The studio houses a group of artists including potters, sculptors and a painter.

Pottery, paintings, and other two- and three-dimensional work is available for purchase. Zero Sullivan Arts also offers individual and group classes in hand-building and wheel-throwing, along with individual classes for oil painting.

Clay and recycled glazes are available at Zero Sullivan Arts. The owners occasionally schedule Raku firing parties.

For information about Zero Sullivan Arts, call 256-457-0979 or visit Facebook/Zero Sullivan Arts.

To register for the Raku class, email to info@artsmadison.org or visit artsmadison.org for a registration form.