Saturday & Sunday, March 6-7, 2027, 9am-TBD
We are aiming to be done around 9pm the first day (we will build the kiln and fire!) and around 5pm the second day, but the timing will be flexible
Most of this workshop will take place outdoors, and will meet rain or shine
Ages 16 and up are welcome
Cost: $375 (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner both days, and 2 firings!)
Requires some experience. Students should bring their own glazed bisqueware, see details below.
Curious about alternative firing methods? Join nationally-recognized potter and educator Lisa Orr for this unique two-day workshop exploring the Rocket Kiln—a low-wood, low-emission firing system inspired by smokeless rocket stove technology, that can be built quickly and cheaply using mostly reclaimed materials. Lisa has spent years researching sustainable firing methods and teaches workshops around the country on innovative kiln design and atmospheric firing.
Bring bisque work made from cone 6 clay to be fired, and experience the process firsthand. Together, we'll assemble a rocket kiln built from a discarded electric kiln shell and a firing chamber made from reclaimed hard and soft firebrick. At the end of the first day, we’ll do a cone 6 oxidation firing. On the second day, we'll unload the kiln, and then fire the kiln to cone 6 with soda, giving participants the opportunity to see firsthand how soda vapor transforms the surface and character of their work.
Along the way, Lisa will demonstrate kiln construction, explain the principles behind rocket kiln design, and provide handouts detailing the brick layout used to build the firing chamber. You will leave with the knowledge and resources needed to build a rocket kiln of your own.
Ideal for intermediate and advanced potters, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of today's leading ceramic artists while exploring sustainable kiln design, atmospheric firing, and the unique surfaces of soda-fired pottery. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of alternative firing methods, instructions for building your own kiln, and your own soda-fired work to study and enjoy. Work will be ready to unload & pick up the Monday after the workshop.
Interested in learning about Lisa Orr’s unique handbuilding & decorating process? Lisa will be leading a day-long handbuilding & decorating workshop on the Monday after this weekend.
What to bring:
Students should bring bisqueware (fired to cone 04-06), all made with cone 6 clay:
5-10 cup-sized objects
Some small vertical pieces (candlesticks, vases)
We will not have space for plates, bowls, platters, or sculpture
Please glaze your work ahead of time, as time will be tight. We will have glazes available ahead of time for members of Friendly City Clay & Art Center.
Note that most of this workshop will take place outdoors, rain or shine, so please dress for the weather!
We will be providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions.
If you are coming from out of town, there are a number of hotels within a 10-15 minute drive, as well as camping available near town. Please feel free to be in touch if you have questions- info@friendlycityclay.com
Lisa Orr has been a studio potter for 40+ years. After completing an MFA at the NYSCC Alfred in 1992, she received a Fulbright, an MAAA/NEA and other grants to research ceramics and create films. Her work has been placed in numerous public and private collections. Currently refining an accessible smokeless wood kiln, she also teaches, lectures, and shows nationally and internationally.
Refunds minus a 10% or $20 processing fee (whichever is lower) are offered until 14 days before the start of class. After that, we do not offer refunds. We don’t offer refunds for missed classes, so please be sure you can attend all sessions of a class, or that you are okay with missing any that you’ll be away for. You can find out more on our studio policies page.
Saturday & Sunday, March 6-7, 2027, 9am-TBD
We are aiming to be done around 9pm the first day (we will build the kiln and fire!) and around 5pm the second day, but the timing will be flexible
Most of this workshop will take place outdoors, and will meet rain or shine
Ages 16 and up are welcome
Cost: $375 (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner both days, and 2 firings!)
Requires some experience. Students should bring their own glazed bisqueware, see details below.
Curious about alternative firing methods? Join nationally-recognized potter and educator Lisa Orr for this unique two-day workshop exploring the Rocket Kiln—a low-wood, low-emission firing system inspired by smokeless rocket stove technology, that can be built quickly and cheaply using mostly reclaimed materials. Lisa has spent years researching sustainable firing methods and teaches workshops around the country on innovative kiln design and atmospheric firing.
Bring bisque work made from cone 6 clay to be fired, and experience the process firsthand. Together, we'll assemble a rocket kiln built from a discarded electric kiln shell and a firing chamber made from reclaimed hard and soft firebrick. At the end of the first day, we’ll do a cone 6 oxidation firing. On the second day, we'll unload the kiln, and then fire the kiln to cone 6 with soda, giving participants the opportunity to see firsthand how soda vapor transforms the surface and character of their work.
Along the way, Lisa will demonstrate kiln construction, explain the principles behind rocket kiln design, and provide handouts detailing the brick layout used to build the firing chamber. You will leave with the knowledge and resources needed to build a rocket kiln of your own.
Ideal for intermediate and advanced potters, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of today's leading ceramic artists while exploring sustainable kiln design, atmospheric firing, and the unique surfaces of soda-fired pottery. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of alternative firing methods, instructions for building your own kiln, and your own soda-fired work to study and enjoy. Work will be ready to unload & pick up the Monday after the workshop.
Interested in learning about Lisa Orr’s unique handbuilding & decorating process? Lisa will be leading a day-long handbuilding & decorating workshop on the Monday after this weekend.
What to bring:
Students should bring bisqueware (fired to cone 04-06), all made with cone 6 clay:
5-10 cup-sized objects
Some small vertical pieces (candlesticks, vases)
We will not have space for plates, bowls, platters, or sculpture
Please glaze your work ahead of time, as time will be tight. We will have glazes available ahead of time for members of Friendly City Clay & Art Center.
Note that most of this workshop will take place outdoors, rain or shine, so please dress for the weather!
We will be providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions.
If you are coming from out of town, there are a number of hotels within a 10-15 minute drive, as well as camping available near town. Please feel free to be in touch if you have questions- info@friendlycityclay.com
Lisa Orr has been a studio potter for 40+ years. After completing an MFA at the NYSCC Alfred in 1992, she received a Fulbright, an MAAA/NEA and other grants to research ceramics and create films. Her work has been placed in numerous public and private collections. Currently refining an accessible smokeless wood kiln, she also teaches, lectures, and shows nationally and internationally.
Refunds minus a 10% or $20 processing fee (whichever is lower) are offered until 14 days before the start of class. After that, we do not offer refunds. We don’t offer refunds for missed classes, so please be sure you can attend all sessions of a class, or that you are okay with missing any that you’ll be away for. You can find out more on our studio policies page.
