Traveling Event Formats
Hands-On Workshops
Immersive, hands-on learning experiences typically spanning 1–3 days.
Work directly alongside Nate through Western Raku firing, smoke-firing techniques, kiln building, glazing, wheel throwing, surface design, and other ceramic processes. Workshops can be customized around the experience level, facilities, and interests of your community, with an emphasis on learning through participation.
Residencies
Extended, immersive experiences typically lasting 5 days or more.
Residencies expand the hands-on workshop format into a more intensive experience, allowing participants to explore multiple processes from beginning to end. Depending on the program, this may include making work, kiln building, glaze chemistry, glazing, Western Raku and smoke firing, demonstrations, artist talks, and other specialized techniques.
Live Demonstrations
Experience the spectacle of the process without the hands-on format.
Live demonstrations bring Nate’s Western Raku firing, smoke firing, wheel throwing, and other ceramic processes to life in front of an audience. Blending artistry, education, and entertainment, guests can watch the process unfold, ask questions, and experience the artistry firsthand. These events are ideal for community gatherings looking for an engaging live experience.
Visiting Artist
Bring a working artist into your community.
Visiting artist engagements focus less on equipment-intensive demonstrations and more on connection. Nate shares his work and experiences, brings finished pieces to explore, answers questions, and connects directly with your community. These visits are especially adaptable for schools, colleges, youth programs, and organizations working within smaller budgets.
Motivational Speaking
Engaging presentations for schools and communities.
Typically structured as an assembly-style presentation, these engagements combine 30-45 minutes of speaking with a 10–15 minute Q&A and time to meet Nate afterward. Talks explore creativity, entrepreneurship, unconventional careers, overcoming setbacks, and turning interests into meaningful work. Meet-and-greets, photographs, and autographs are often included.
Artist Talks
Exploring the artist’s work, research, and experiences.
Artist talks can stand alone or complement a workshop, residency, or other event. Presentations offer a deeper look into Nate’s career, ceramic practice, creative journey, and research, or can focus on specialized topics such as Western Raku, glaze chemistry, creative entrepreneurship, and the evolution of his work.
Residency Recap
This YouTube Shorts playlist recaps my immersive 5-day workshop at Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft in Columbia, North Carolina. During the residency, Nate guided students through wheel throwing, handbuilding, kiln building, Western Raku, smoke-firing techniques, glaze chemistry, and more. Watch the full playlist on YouTube below, or follow the videos in order right here on the website.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 | Part 1
Day 4 | Part 2
Day 5 | Part 1
Day 5 | Part 2
Workshop Testimonial
Nate is an exceptionally knowledgeable artist and educator who brings a tremendous depth of experience to his teaching. What impressed me most was his ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and processes in a way that helped participants understand not just the "how," but the "why" behind the techniques.
What truly sets Nate apart is his seemingly infinite energy and enthusiasm. From the first demonstration to the final firing, his passion for Raku is contagious. He keeps participants engaged, inspired, and excited throughout the entire experience, while somehow managing to give individual attention and encouragement to everyone in the group.
Throughout the workshop, Nate was organized, patient, generous with his knowledge, and genuinely invested in the success of every participant. He created an atmosphere that was both professional and welcoming, encouraging experimentation while maintaining a strong focus on safety and craftsmanship.
The workshop was thoughtfully planned, hands-on, and packed with valuable information. From kiln construction and firing techniques to glazing and troubleshooting, every aspect was presented with care and attention to detail. Participants left not only with beautiful work but also with a deeper understanding of the Raku process and the confidence to continue exploring it on their own.
If you have the opportunity to host Nate Winter Studios, I highly recommend it. His passion for the craft, boundless energy, dedication to teaching, and commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience make him an outstanding workshop leader and a true ambassador for the ceramic arts.
— Amy Manson, Kettle Creek Pottery
