Rich Holck will oversee and guide you through the hands-on process of loading, firing, unloading, cleaning, and maintaining a wood kiln. Learn how to build the fire and operate the kiln at each stage, read the atmosphere of the kiln to time your stokes, and how to place wood across the width of the firebox to maintain even heat. Gain understanding of how kiln oxygen levels may fluctuate and ways of controlling oxygen levels by adjusting dampers and air openings. Consider factors like the quantity of wood per stoke, stoking frequency, and the size and type of wood to use. When introducing salt into the chamber, discuss its effects on the pottery, kiln, and kiln furniture. During unloading, observe the results of your collective efforts on the finished works, and how the process details come together to shape the end result.

Rich Holck will oversee and guide you through the hands-on process of loading, firing, unloading, cleaning, and maintaining a wood kiln. Learn how to build the fire and operate the kiln at each stage, read the atmosphere of the kiln to time your stokes, and how to place wood across the width of the firebox to maintain even heat. Gain understanding of how kiln oxygen levels may fluctuate and ways of controlling oxygen levels by adjusting dampers and air openings. Consider factors like the quantity of wood per stoke, stoking frequency, and the size and type of wood to use. When introducing salt into the chamber, discuss its effects on the pottery, kiln, and kiln furniture. During unloading, observe the results of your collective efforts on the finished works, and how the process details come together to shape the end result. 12X24X30 inches per share

Join a unique collaborative firing experience that brings together local ceramic artists and students from Montgomery County Community College (MCCC). Participants will work side by side with college students and their instructor, sharing in the full wood-firing process—from loading and firing to unloading and kiln maintenance.

Learn to manage each stage of the firing: building the fire, reading the kiln atmosphere, maintaining even heat, and adjusting dampers and air flow. Discussion will include wood selection, stoking rhythm, and the effects of salt introduction on both clay and kiln surfaces.

This collaborative firing offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas across experience levels while contributing to a shared creative process. Participants should be comfortable working in a group setting with MCCC students.

Note: this is a half share size: 12" x 24" x 15"