Woodfire
Facilities & Opportunities at The Clay Studio of Missoula
About Our Woodfire Program & Facilities
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The Clay Studio of Missoula has access to wood kilns just outside of Missoula, about a 15-minute drive away from the Clay Studio. Our Anagama kiln was built in 2007 is approximately 720 cubic feet, and usually fires for 4-5 days. There is also a smaller cross-draft kiln at the site that was built in 2016 that can take up to 2 days to fire. Wood firings are not scheduled during periods of fire danger (approximately late May through mid-October) and/or stage 3 air quality alerts.
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In order to fire in our kilns, you must be a member, student enrolled in a Woodfire Class, or guest at a special event. Anagama classes are held in the Fall (firing in November) and Winter (firing in March). We occasionally offer Spring session classes for firing the cross draft kiln. Please visit our Woodfire Class and Event Information below for upcoming firing opportunities.
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The Clay Studio of Missoula maintains one residency opportunity dedicated to a year-long wood fire residency. This opportunity may also be extended into a second year upon approval. Interested applicants should have a strong, developed body of work; have previous experience firing wood kilns; feel comfortable directing firings; possess a strong work ethic, and have a desire to work within a community setting. To learn more about our residency program and how to apply, please visit our Residency Information Page.
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WOODFIRE CLASSES & EVENTS
Winter Wood Fire Offerings
Instructor: Kayla Noble, Wood Fire Resident Artist
Class + Firing
Ideal for those needing instruction and access to facilities. Prior experience with ceramics expected
Tuesday, 6-9pm, January 9 to February 27 – 8 class meetings
Kiln loading: March 1-3, approx. weeklong firing to
proceed immediately after
$355 members/$370 non-members
Students will explore new ideas and possibilities for wheel thrown forms and sculptures that will be fired in the wood kiln. Demonstrations and lectures on wood firing techniques will be given each class, allowing students plenty of time to concentrate on their own ideas. Students will be expected to spend some weekend time at the wood kiln helping to prepare for firings by splitting and stacking wood and will take an active role in working firing shifts in teams with more experienced students in order to experience this exciting and unique process.
Winter Firing Only
Ideal for those with their own studio or place to make work – you must have prior wood firing experience. Participants will be expected to spend some weekend time at the wood kiln helping to prepare for firings by splitting and stacking wood and will take an active role in working firing shifts in teams.
$200 members/$210 non-members, plus time required for firing prep/shifts
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LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR WOOD FIRING OPPORTUNITIES ON OUR ADULT CLASS PAGE