This workshop will be centered in the fundamental firing techniques of our North Carolina style groundhog kiln and span three days of firing focused on natural ash surfaces and ember bed effects. My goals are not to teach you how to run the kiln exactly as I do, but to instead supply the tools to problem solve and work collaboratively in understanding how to bring any atmospheric kiln to temperature and seek the surfaces that bring you joy.

We will be focused on basic woodfiring principles, firing by audio and visual cues, monitoring and feeding the coal bed, how to load for dynamic surfaces, and adapting these practices to a kiln without sidestoking. We will be firing in a classic cone 10 to 13 temperature range with a hard shut down to encourage matte, ashy, and ember-rich surfaces. All styles of work have a place in this workshop, including sculptural and functional forms.

Each participant should bring approximately 6 cubic feet of cone 10 bisqueware. We encourage participants to bring more to allow us to fill the kiln more effectively, and to include as many additional 3x2x2 inch stuffer pieces as possible to fill gaps in the kiln.

My teaching approach is deeply collaborative. In this intimate setting you will have hands-on access to the kiln, will be leading shifts, and will receive direct guidance as you problem-solve alongside me. Space is limited, so you can expect plenty of time at the kiln and a close-knit community of makers working toward glowing ash surfaces and ember bed effects.

Day 1 – Students will arrive at the Morean Center for Clay at 9:30am, Dakota-Joan will give an artist talk and discuss with the group the overarching firing goals. We will spend the day discussing glazing and loading strategies as we load the kiln together. On this day we will set the firing schedule and shifts for the remaining workshop time.

Day 2/3 – Students will work together during their agreed upon shifts to fire the groundhog kiln. On these shifts they will learn the details of monitoring the kiln, managing the coal bed and wood stoking patterns. Dakota will be available for hands-on teaching at the beginning of most shifts for demonstration of safe practices and shift expectations. It is recommended that students are present for the final shift in order to learn about kiln shut down. Post shutdown, kiln will need to cool for several days. 

Day 4 – Unload ! Students arrive at the Morean at 10am, unload the kiln, take part in a retrospective discussion and clean the kiln. Additionally, Dakota-Joan will demonstrate her methods for cleaning and finishing the fired work. 

Learn more about Dakota here!

Dakota Joan is an educator, maker, and community builder. She believes in nontraditional paths into art and values wood-firing for its connection to labor and history—she cut her teeth firing wood kilns in Missouri as a studio assistant while also working as a microbiologist. She teaches workshops out of St. Petersburg, Florida, where she is a technician at the Morean Center for Clay and a studio manager at the Hive Community Clay.

Held at the Morean Center for Clay

420 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Purchase clay prior to your first class by calling 727-821-7162 ext. 2311 Please note that we are open Wed-Sat 10am-5pm

259– Buff colored stoneware. Smooth enough to throw on the potter’s wheel, but strong enough to withstand most hand-building techniques. Can be fired from Cone 6 to Cone 10. 

Tuition Refund Policy: Full refund or credit will be issued for any class cancelled by the Morean Arts Center. A $25 processing fee is deducted for all other student refund requests. No refunds will be issued on or after the first day of class.