Schedule:
Nov 27th: Afternoon Prep
Nov 28th: Load @ 10am
Nov 28-Dec 1st: Firing
Unload: Afternoon of Dec 7th

What you get:

• 2 cubic feet of work in the kiln with the ability to purchase more space if available. Extra space is $65 per cubic foot with workshop registration.

• Free Camping

• Access to our glazes

• Learn by doing: participants will be able to join in all aspects of the firing process including loading, firing, clean-up, and wood prep.

• Instruction overview of the wood-firing process, how-to fire a train kiln, and how to clean-up and care for wood fired works post-firing.

About the train kiln:
The Train Kiln and Soda Kiln were built together and have a shared chimney. The train kiln provides a smaller and much faster alternative to wood firing than the large anagama kiln, it generally takes four days to fire requiring a crew of one to three people taking six-hour shifts. We will be firing to Cone 10 (hotter in places).

Participation:
Participants may come and go during the firing while not on shift or helping with wood prep. Please note this is not a pick-up and drop-off firing service and participants are expected to assist with prep, loading and unloading, wood prep, clean-up and kiln shifts. You will be able to sign-up for kiln shifts after orientation on loading day. There will always be an experienced lead person on shift. Pay attention to loading dates and be sure to have your ceramic works onsite on or before loading dates.

Places To Stay:
Registration includes 5 nights of free camping on the property, this gives you access to bathroom/shower facilities and a shared kitchen, please let us know if you plan to camp on site. If you aren’t into camping, there are several comfortable places to stay in the area. There will be recommendations in the information packet emailed to you after registration.

Clay Bodies:
Much of the outcome in atmospheric firings depends on the clay body. It is important to use clays which are highly refractory. All clay bodies must be Cone 10 or higher. No low-fire or mid-range clays, they will melt in the kiln and make a HUGE mess of everyone’s work and our kilns. The train kiln can get up to cone 12 and is held at high temperatures for several days. Avoid dark or iron rich clay bodies as they may slump, dunt or bloat. Suggested clays we have had success with are WSO, Porcelains, Bmix Woodfire, White stoneware.

What to Make:
A variety of shapes and sizes is strongly encouraged, this will make for better load and firing results! Please avoid bringing ONLY cups and bowls, appropriate spaces for these forms are limited and if you do so some of your work will likely not make it into the kiln. Steer clear from plates and platters as these tend to be hard to fit and often warp in firing. Tall and thin, always in, and round and bulbous shapes are great for certain spots.

How Much Work to Bring:
We recommend bringing extra pieces to fire, this gives some flexibility when loading and ensures you get a good amount of work in the kiln. It is essential that participants be flexible on the placement of work in the kiln. The loading lead artist must be able to load the kiln in a way that ensures best results for all participants. If you go beyond the amount of prepaid kiln space you can purchase more while here, if it is available. Additional kiln space is $65 per cubic foot. (For members it is $65 for the first 5 cubic feet and $50 per cubic foot beyond that.) When measuring the cubic feet of an object we also take into account the amount of space that is needed around an object. If you have questions about cost and measurements we advise that you get an estimate onsite before the loading.

Glazes:
We recommend that you do not glaze your work or only use liner glazes. Often the most beautiful pieces out of kilns are the ones without glaze. This also allows us to tumble stack, creating even more surface, variety, and better loading options. If you do wish to glaze, we will supply a selection of traditional glazes here for you to use. You may use your own glazes however please use stable cone 10 glazes that don’t tend to run.

REFUND POLICY: 
In the event of cancelation by the registrant; Up to one month prior to the date of the event you will receive a refund of your purchase amount minus a $100 fee. (If you are a member you may use this fee toward a future firing workshop.) No refund will be given within one month of the event.