The Selma Art Guild is looking forward to an eventful weekend with a raku workshop Friday and Saturday and the opening reception of the emerging artists gallery.

Thanks to a $3,200 grant from the Alabama State Arts Council, the guild is hosting a raku workshop featuring an internationally known potter, Rick Berman.

“He’s taught across the world. He’s know for his raku techniques, and he’s developed a low fire salt technique where he uses ice cream salt and charcoal, and we’re going to be doing that,” said guild board member Jo Taylor.

So far, 11 potters have signed up for the two-day workshop being held at Taylor’s studio, but she said there is still room for more.

The workshop is geared toward professional potters, semi-professional potters and students, but anyone is able to attend to see the artists work.

Receiving the grant has helped the Art Guild with providing opportunities like the workshop for artists in Selma and the surrounding areas.

“This is an opportunity that Selma has not had,” said Jo Pate, an Art Guild board member. “It will help us expand our influence by offering courses for people to learn more [and] to become better at what they do.”

The workshop is $180 and will be Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Taylor’s studio. For more information about the event or to sign up, contact Taylor at 412-3852.

After the workshop has come to a close, the Art Guild will host an emerging artists reception for five new artists.

The artists, Steve Ray, Laura Stowers, Marvin Hollman, Delilah Caruthers and Mary Babin will be featured at the show.

“For some of them, it’s the first time that they have ever had an opportunity [to show their work], and that is what we’re providing — the opportunity for the public to see new artists’ work,” Pate said.

Pate said the month long show is a chance for new artists to get their work out to the public while also giving the public the ability to buy work from local artists.

“It’s always excited to see a new artist,” Pate said. “ It’s also a chance to add to your collection, to mingle with your friends, and if it’s a gorgeous day, just to be out.”

The opening reception is from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday at the Art Guild and as always there is no charge to get in.

The show will continue through April.