Wildcrafting: Local Red Clay Pottery - Sunday, July 24, 2022
July 24, 2022 Join Janice Smith, VMF's Education Coordinator, in this fun (and messy) hands-on workshop. You will learn how local red clay is processed, explore how the Kumeyaay made beautiful pottery, and practice creating your own decorative item. We will also discuss the geology of how the red dirt was created.
Using clay that has been moistened and aged prior to the workshop, each participant will receive a ball of clay that can be shaped into a variety of projects, including pots, sculptures, clay rattles, beads, and more. Each participant will go home with instructions on how to fire their work if they choose to do so. Note that the finished projects will dry and harden and don’t need to be fired to enjoy them.
In addition, local clay artist Becky Sangha will join us to share her experience working with natural red clay.
Date: Sunday, July 24
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Due to the gated entry for VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, please plan to arrive by 9:45 am
Cost: $25 per person. Space is limited to 12 participants.
Bring: Water, snacks, and/or lunch
Wear: Please wear old clothes and bring an apron if you have one.
Location: VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center in Julian.(22850 Volcan Road/4002 Farmer Road, Julian, CA 92036).
Wildcrafting workshops are generally held every other month on the 4th Sunday of the month from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Holidays might change the date of the workshops.
You can contact the VMF office with questions or for more information at 760-765-2300 or contact Janice at education@volcanmt.org.
Wildcrafting is the age-old practice of collecting or harvesting plants from their natural habitat, or “wild” habitat, for food, medicine, or craft. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they might be found and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas. Ethical considerations and sustainable behaviors are practiced, such as protecting endangered species and avoiding potential depletion of commonly held resources. The practice of sustainable wildcrafting requires making a commitment to develop your knowledge and connection to the natural landscape, deepen your local sense of place, and take responsibility for its regeneration for future generations. For more information, please watch VMF's 10 Best Practices for Foraging Wild, Edible Plants.