Entertainment
27 March, 2026
Get fired up at clay classes
‘FORM and Fire’ clay workshops are returning to Innisfail after the success of last year’s inaugural workshops.
They will be hosted by Narra Tree artist and teacher Deborah Schiel Zaini and facilitated by Ian Whittaker, a Cairns-based artist and teacher.
Last year 11 artists participated in the experimental clay workshops, touching on:
basic handbuilding techniques
working with wild clays and commercial clays
approaches to glazing
pit firing and raku firing.
Ms Schiel Zainie said, while the first workshops were funded solely through participants’ fees, she had received a much-appreciated RADF grant from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council for Form and Fire 2026.
She said the Form and Fire 2026 workshops would be held over three Saturdays in May, followed by an exhibition of participants’ work.
This time around local artist/teacher Freda Masina will be joined by Ms Schiel Zaini with facilitator Ian Whittaker.
“Commercial clay and glazes will be included in the price of the workshops as well as lunch and afternoon tea and participants will not only ‘form’ and ‘fire’ their clay but they will also have the chance to ‘forage’ for their clay and ‘fabricate’ their kiln, i.e. make a working kiln for a fraction of the price of a regular electric kiln,” Ms Schiel Zainie said.
“Curious and creative people, with or without experience in ceramics, are invited to book their tickets soon as places available are limited to just 16 participants.”
Currently, Ms Schiel Zainie runs ‘clay day’ sessions for all ages on Wednesday mornings at the Narra Tree.
She said many participants were new to ceramics but they quickly obtained confidence and skill with support.
“Their work is often of a high standard, reflecting strong creative potential in the community,” Ms Schiel Zainie said.
“I hope that Form and Fire lowers barriers to participation in the field of ceramics by providing materials, guidance and exhibition opportunities, helping participants feel confident and creatively connected,” she said.
The workshops are 10am Saturday 2, 9 and 16 May at the Narra Tree, 40 Charles Street, Innisfail. Tickets $120 ($40 per workshop). Early bird tickets $90 if booked before 1 April ($30 per workshop), includes clay and glaze as well as firing and catering. Excludes optional kiln making materials. Book by texting or calling 0481 351 248.
Read More: Innisfail