8-Week Wood Firing Experience!!

Loading Kiln Jan 30th - Jan 31st

Firing Weekend Fri Feb 5th - Sun 7th

Anyone may join the firing on a rolling basis up until the week of the firing, as long as space is available.

Unlike a traditional weekly pottery class, this course is designed as a guided firing experience. You'll spend the session creating work independently during open studio hours, then come together for hands-on glazing instruction and the exciting wood firing experience.

Discover the magic of atmospheric firing and experience one of ceramics' oldest traditions.

Wood firing is unlike any other firing process. Over the course of eight weeks, you'll create work specifically designed for the wood kiln while learning how flame, ash, and heat work together to produce rich, natural surfaces that can't be replicated in an electric kiln.

Students will explore forms and surface treatments that respond beautifully to wood firing, learn how to prepare pots for the kiln, and gain an understanding of kiln loading, wadding, firing techniques, and post-firing cleanup.

The course culminates in a community wood firing, where students will work alongside fellow potters to stoke the kiln, monitor temperatures, and experience the teamwork that makes wood firing so rewarding. Whether you're feeding the fire, watching the flame dance through the kiln, or unloading to discover the unique effects of ash and fire, every firing is an unforgettable experience.

The class begins with an orientation where we'll cover:

(Those who join later on will meet when needed to go over details these details)

Wood firing safety and expectations
Forms and designs that work best for Wood Firing
Clay and glaze options
Important dates and firing procedures
Questions and planning your projects

Students will learn:

Surface techniques that complement ash and flame
Wadding and preparing work for the kiln
Kiln loading fundamentals
Wood kiln firing procedures and safety
Stoking techniques and reading the fire
The effects of ash, flame, and atmospheric firing
Post-firing cleanup and finishing techniques

What's Included:

One community wood firing
$25 lbs of clay, a second and third bag can be purchased at the studio. Max of 75lbs of work
Access to wood firing slips, glazes and surface materials
Wood kiln preparation and firing experience

Best For:

Students who have completed a beginning pottery class or have equivalent experience
Potters interested in atmospheric firing techniques
Students who enjoy collaborative, hands-on learning
Anyone ready to experience the excitement and unpredictability of wood firing

Wood firing is equal parts art, science, and community. Every firing is different, every pot tells its own story, and the results are often impossible to achieve any other way.

Restrictions

No pots that weigh over 30lbs
Total weight of all pots must be 75lbs or less

Requirements

Students must help with wood prep - stacking, organizing wood
Students must sign up for two 6 hrs firing shifts
Wad your own pots
If you'e not comfortable around the firing you can sign up for clean up shifts

This workshop will offer 3 types of ways to participate.

Option 1: Studio + Wood Firing Experience

Create your work in our studio and experience every step of the wood firing process. This option includes 8 weeks of studio access, 25 lbs. of clay (with additional clay available for purchase), use of studio glazes, bisque firings, and participation in loading, firing, unloading, and cleanup. Perfect for students who want the complete wood-firing experience from start to finish.

Option 2: Wood Firing Only (Participatory)

Already have Cone 10 work ready to fire? This option is for potters who want to participate in the wood firing without using the studio. Bring your glazed Cone 10+ work to the first kiln loading day and join us for kiln loading, firing, unloading, and cleanup. Participants may bring up to 6–7 cubic feet of work (approximately 24" × 24" × 18–20" tall). Comparable to a skutt 1027.

Option 3: Wood Firing Only (Hands-Off)

This option is for potters who would like the benefits of a wood firing without participating in the firing process. Simply drop off your glazed Cone 10+ work on the scheduled loading day and return after the kiln has been unloaded to pick up your finished pieces. We handle the loading, firing, unloading, and cleanup for you. Participants may bring up to 6–7 cubic feet of work (approximately 24" × 24" × 18–20" tall). Comparable to a skutt 1027.

Loading Days

Loading Kiln Sat Jan 30th - Sun Jan 31st 10 am - 4pm

Firing Days

Firing Weekend Fri Feb 5th - Sun 7th
6 hrs shifts starting at 6pm Friday night

Studio Hours

Wed 1pm - 6pm

Friday 4pm - 9pm

Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm

Safety!
Since we are working around very high temps, cotton clothing, long sleeves, jeans and closed toe shoes are a must.
Protective gear will be available to use during the firing. Make sure to bring water, snacks and to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or smelling like a camp fire.

The firing may run in light rain. If there is heavy rain or high winds the firing will be rescheduled.

Wood Firing Class!!