Redware Sgraffito Plate Workshop

The Redware Sgraffito Plate Workshop at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum introduces participants to the expressive pottery techniques used by Pennsylvania German potters in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Class Details 

Saturday, April 25, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (EDT)

Location:
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601-4899

Tuition:
$120.00 – $150.00

Classroom:
Museum Store – Second Floor (one flight of stairs)

The Redware Sgraffito Plate Workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn one of the most distinctive decorative techniques found in Pennsylvania German folk pottery. This full-day, hands-on workshop focuses on sgraffito, a method in which designs are drawn and scratched through a layer of white clay slip to reveal the rich red clay beneath. The result is a bold, graphic style that became a hallmark of redware pottery in the 18th and 19th centuries.

During this workshop, participants will explore how Pennsylvania German potters used sgraffito to create expressive plates decorated with floral motifs, birds, hearts, geometric patterns, dates, and inscriptions. The term sgraffito comes from the Italian word meaning “to scratch,” and the technique allows for both precision and spontaneity—making each finished piece unique.

Participants will design and sgraffito one 10-inch redware plate, which is included in the workshop fee. Students may choose to work from traditional Pennsylvania German designs or create an original composition inspired by historic examples. Sgraffito tools, reference books, and examples will be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own design ideas or reference images.

For those who wish to expand their work, additional plates may be purchased during the workshop, time permitting. Participants may add:

• 7-inch plate: $38

• 10-inch plate: $50
  (limit of two additional plates)

The workshop is designed for all skill levels, with no prior pottery or clay experience required. Instruction emphasises proper tool use, line control, composition planning, and working confidently with clay surfaces. Participants will draw their designs directly onto slip-coated redware plates and then carefully scratch through the slip to reveal the red clay body beneath.

After the workshop, all plates will be dried, glazed, and fired, a process that takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Once completed, participants will be notified when their finished work is ready. Plates may be picked up at the Landis Valley Museum Store, at the instructor’s studio in Macungie by appointment, or shipped for an additional $12 shipping fee, paid directly to the instructor.

The Redware Sgraffito Plate Workshop is led by Denise Wilz, an accomplished redware potter who has been creating Pennsylvania redware since 2002. Denise holds a degree in Studio Art from Moravian University and transitioned into professional pottery after a career as a computer programmer and dedicated craft hobbyist. She is a Master Artisan of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, currently serves on the Guild’s board, and is included in the Directory of Traditional American Crafts presented by Early American Life.

Denise’s expertise in historic pottery traditions is widely recognised. Her article, “Pennsylvania Redware,” was published in Pottery Making Illustrated (March/April 2008), and her work reflects a deep understanding of form, decoration, and traditional processes. Participants benefit from her clear instruction, historical knowledge, and encouragement to develop both technical skill and personal expression.

This workshop runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and participants should bring their own lunch. The class is held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom, accessible by one flight of stairs. Comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on clay work is recommended.

What to Bring

• Lunch and beverages
  (All clay, tools, plates, and reference materials are provided.)

Important Notes

• No experience required

• Finished plates available 4–6 weeks after firing

• Optional shipping available for an additional fee

• Class held in second-floor classroom (one flight of stairs)

• All sales are final. No refunds

• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum