The Workshop

In honor of our 20th birthday, we've cooked up something pretty hot this year! The workshop will be graciously held at Fountain Valley School of Colorado. We'll be having a hands on wood firing with participation capped at 15. Fountain Valley School has a new large and unique wood fire kiln, that produces the most breathtaking results! Clay body, glaze type, and even placement within the kiln all contribute to random and spectacular effects!

The cost will be $100 with a $20 surcharge for any one who can't help with the loading unloading and/or firing. The Kiln will be loaded on Friday, June 11th from 6:00pm until we're done (probably between 4-6 hours) after which the kiln will be preheated over night and the firing will begin Saturday morning around 9:00 AM. If past firings can be trusted, the firing will end no later than noon on Sunday. Unloading will take place on Wednesday the 16th. Participants will be asked to help (and thereby learn) with all aspects of the process. There will be a sign up sheet for shifts stoking the kiln (which will be over seen by experienced hands — don't worry!)

Space, of course, is limited, so each participant will have 4 square feet of space in the kiln to fill as they wish. Bring your own bisque ware. Glazing is not necessary, as the kiln itself does provide a unique effect, but if you would like to experiment with your own glazes, that works too. Feel free to contact us if you would like any more info about the firing.

How to sign up:

To ensure your spot, please email us with your firm interest at: onefivepoundball@clayfest.com Then, to lock in your spot, please mail your check made out to the Business of Art Center; or phone the Business of Art Center with your Credit Card information:
Clayfest
c/o the Business of Art Center
513 Manitou Avenue
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
719-685-1861

If everyone can attend the kiln opening great, if not, we'll do a presentation of slides documenting the process and showing what effects were generated with which clays and glazes and in which areas of the kiln.This presentation will either happen the night before or the day after Clayfest itself (June 19th.) We may do a presentation like this any way if there is enough interest.

Anything on Sunday??

We are considering another hands on workshop the day after the 'fest to address issues people may have with different throwing techniques. The wheels will still be there, we might as well use them. The format being considered would be a three hour long session with the curriculum dictated by the students. Suggestions would be drawn from a hat. What ever form comes up will be thrown and the process discussed. Students would then practice on their own with instructors offering advice. The enrollment would only be limited by the number of wheels, and cost $30.00. Please contact us if you are interested in this Sunday workshop idea.