Wood Fired Clay Vessels Workshop - May 12

For artists and makers, clay offers so many opportunities for experimentation and creative expression. There are endless material possibilities when you combine clay types, glazing and firing methods. Here in Charlton, we are very fortunate to have a unique Japanese-style wood fired ceramics kiln and a very generous community of ceramic artists that are always inspiring us to experiment and create! 

Join ceramic artist, Rebecca Cigal, for a guided hand building workshop with a Cone 10 clay that can be used in the wood fired kiln located just down the road from the Studio. Students will learn techniques for creating and altering cylindrical forms and applying surface decoration that will accentuate the wood fired process. Each student will create their own unique vessel that could be used for a variety of purposes, from holding flowers, pencils and paintbrushes or a beverage…this exercise will give students the opportunity to experiment with a different kind of clay and experience the unique firing process achieved in a wood fired kiln. 

Workshop Date: Monday, May 12  6pm – 9pm

Firing Dates: Loading the kiln - Saturday, May 31, Unloading the kiln - Saturday, June 14 (both loading and unloading days are optional)

Cost: $84.00 non-members, 75.60 members (use discount code at checkout!)
Includes workshop instruction, kiln firing and clay

Class size: 8 students 

Recommended Experience: This class is well suited to beginners or even experienced potters who would like to experiment with the wood fired process. 

Ages: Adults and young adults with serious interest.

About the Kiln & Process:

Owned by ceramic artist, Dan Greenfeld, the two chamber “climbing kiln” is modeled after similar Japanese 17th century kilns. It has room for about 75 cubit feet of ceramics to be fired at one time. The kiln consumes many cords of split hard wood and ceramic artists that are part of the community firing take turns ensuring the fires are stoked for several straight days! The transformation of the clay is very organic! Without applying any glaze, variables in clay types, the position of your piece in the kiln and even weather conditions can effect the outcome of the surface colors and patterns. 

Community Wood Firing in Charlton:

Ceramic artists from across the northeast meet twice a year in Charlton to take part in the communal firing process. This year, artists will meet on Saturday, May 31 to load the kiln and after two weeks of getting the kiln up to temp, firing and cooling down, everyone will meet again to unload the kiln on Saturday, June 14. Students in the hand building class with Rebecca are welcome to come to both the loading and unloading of the kiln to be part of the process! The unloading of the kiln is particularly fun as you get to see the results of everyone’s hard work and the variety of effects created in the kiln. 

About Rebecca Cigal: 

Rebecca Cigal is a full time ceramic artist living in Niskayuna, New York and our clay resource artist here at Main Street Studio. She has nurtured her creative side for as long as she can remember using a variety of mediums, but clay is #1. The tactile fun of smushing, pushing and pulling clay to create innovative, functional designs and one of a kind surface decorations gives her so much joy. Cigal Studio stoneware pottery is both wheel-thrown and hand-built. Sometimes combining both skills into one form. Her pottery is absolutely intended to be used and enjoyed everyday.  We are very grateful to have some of her time, knowledge and creative energy as part of our Studio community! 

Main Street Studio Memberships! 

If you are interested in working more with clay or other natural materials such as wood and fibers, we would love to have you become a Studio Member! Studio Members receive 10% off on all workshops and have the ability to purchase studio time to come in and work independently across a variety of mediums. We are always experimenting, collaborating and learning from each other! 

Email us at members@mainstreetcharlton.com with questions, or to signup to receive a discount for this workshop!