Traditional groundhog kilns have been the mainstay kiln design of eastern Appalachia for over 150 years. Their simplistic design lends to a relatively fast firing cycle of 8-12 hours, compared to other kiln designs, while heavily relying on alkaline glazes, slips and salt for the ware. 

Though many of today’s contemporary wood fire potters may have moved away from these kilns there are some that only prefer this traditional method of firing.  

We aim to show why these traditions are still viable.  With less stresses on the exacts of stoking sequences and more on wood selection and clay choices. We will also be sharing few glazes that have served potters of old, and us very well.