8-Week Wood Firing Experience!!

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.

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).

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).

Loading Days

• Loading Day Fri Oct 23rd 4pm - 8pm - Sat & Sun Oct 24th - 25th 10am - 4pm
• Firing Day Friday Oct 30th - Sun Nov 1st. Shifts will be 6hrs each for 3 days straight

Studio Hours

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.