Come fire the Cloud Kiln!
Come fire with Eva and the crew at the Cloud Kiln. Students will learn about the wood firing process, from preparing the work and loading the kiln, through stoking, tending the kiln, and troubleshooting. After the unload the kiln, we’ll discuss results and celebrate. Students will also help with wood prep and the final clean up.

We’ll be firing the kiln for about 48hrs, with a light reduction cool, aiming for rich colors in iron-heavy stonewares and flashing in porcelains. Students will work two at least two 6-8 hour shifts during the firing, in addition to participating in kiln prep and cleanup. There may also be an optional day prepping wood at the kiln before the workshop.

WHAT TO BRING
Either 2 or 4 cubic feet of bisqueware made out of cone 10 clay, depending on what option you select below.
Wool or cotton work clothes, with plenty of layers
Headlamp

LOCATION
Granite Falls, Washington, about one hour from Seattle.
The Cloud Kiln is a wood fired train kiln, built by Eva Funderburgh in 2023. It’s 14 ft long, and holds about 40 cubic feet of work. The kiln is fired 4 times a year by a standing crew of about a dozen artists. It is located on top of a foothill in the Cascade Mountains, with a very steep driveway. In event of snow, we’ll shuttle people back and forth from the main road.

LODGING AND FOOD
Students are responsible for arranging their own lodging and meals during the firing, with the exception of a pizza lunch on the first day. A kitchen is available for food storage and prep. There are a variety Airbnb and lodging options in nearby.

CANCELATION POLICY
Registration is fully refundable up to 30 days before the event. Cancelations made within 30 days of the event are nonrefundable

CLAY CHOICES AND BISQUEWARE
A handout will be emailed with more details, but here’s some clays we like:
Laguna Death Valley
Laguna B-Mix
Clay Art Center White Rose
Clay Art Center Stoneware Grog
You'll be expected to bring either two or four cubic feet of work. One cubic feet is about the volume of one milk crate

SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 14th
Morning, starting at 9am
Kiln and firing introduction,
Glazing, and wadding. (Glazes provided)
Lunch provided
Afternoon
Loading the kiln

Sunday, November 15th,
Loading kiln until finished, then light the kiln and start firing

Monday, November 16th
Fire kiln, working 6 hour shifts

Tuesday, November 17th
Morning + afternoon: fire kiln
Evening: active reduction cooling.

After the reduction cooling is complete, the kiln will then spend the rest of the week cooling naturally.

Saturday, November 21st
Unload kiln.
Potluck lunch, followed by cleaning the kiln and stacking wood.