Firing Workshops
Raku, Soda, Pit Firing & more
Japanese Chawan and Guinomi Workshop
Japanese Chawan and Guinomi Workshop
Instructor: Yuki
Cost: $100 Member | $150 Non-Member
Join for a cultural journey into the world of Japanese pottery with this immersive half-day chawan (matcha bowl) and guinomi (sake cup) making workshop, set in the serene surroundings of San Gregorio. This experience offers a unique opportunity to delve into Japanese “Teaism,” which permeates Japanese ways of life. The instructor will demo and address: Shaping techniques (tebineri/hand shaping, kurinuki), function and shape relationships, foot shaping/trimming, and surface/landscape design. During hands-on portion of the workshop, participants will hand build a unique chawan and guinomi to fit to your hands, and bring out a clay landscape that speaks to their artistry.
About the instructor:
Yuki is a ceramic artist and instructor in San Francisco, CA. Growing up in Japan, I have always been fascinated by a sense of genuine, natural beauty that is situated in quietness/serenity. Working with clay gives me that space of peace and a state of “mu (無)” (a quiet emptiness). My work honors the place I reside, brings out the history and beauty of the geology, and creates a way for viewers and users to connect with the environment. I thrive to stop our time to create space for people to experience inner tranquility and transcendence through light, shadow, texture, pigments, and flame.
Japanese Chawan and Guinomi Workshop
July 28th — 9:00 am-3:00 pm (Lunch/Tea Break 12-1pm)
San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
Gas Soda Firing
Soda Fire Workshop for Non-Members
Instructor: Margaret Tassi
Cost: $100
Come learn the fundamentals of Soda Firing at our Atmospheric Firing Center in San Gregorio!
In this workshop we will discuss clay bodies, wadding, and learn about the science of soda firing. Each slot offers 1 cubic foot of firing space and access to 6 of our flashing slips, 3 glazes, and our oxides. This workshop is specifically designed for potters who are new to atmospheric firing or those who have experience and want to have access to our range of materials.
We look forward to hosting you!
**Please remember that you must bring your Cone 10 bisqueware to our site on loading day**
June Gas Soda Workshop
June 9th — 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
June 15th — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
July Gas Soda Workshop
July 14th — 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
July 20th — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
August Gas Soda Workshop
August 11th — 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
August 17th — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
September Gas Soda Workshop
September 15th — 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
September 21st — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Soda Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
Monthly Gas Soda Firings*
Instructor: Margaret Tassi
Cost: $60 Non Members | $40 Members
*In San Gregorio (location to be provided)
Gas Soda Firings
July | 07/21 - 07/27
9 am - 12pm
This opportunity is designed for potters who have had experience with Soda Firing. Included in the cost of your event: one cubic foot of firing space in our gas soda kiln.
**Please remember that you must bring your Cone 10 bisqueware to our site on loading day**
We require you to attend both the load and unload/cleanup dates.
We are unable to accommodate any cancellations or refunds.
$60
August | 08/18 - 08/24
9 am - 12pm
This opportunity is designed for potters who have had experience with Soda Firing. Included in the cost of your event: one cubic foot of firing space in our gas soda kiln.
**Please remember that you must bring your Cone 10 bisqueware to our site on loading day**
We require you to attend both the load and unload/cleanup dates.
We are unable to accommodate any cancellations or refunds.
$60
September | 09/08 - 09/14
9 am - 12pm
This opportunity is designed for potters who have had experience with Soda Firing. Included in the cost of your event: one cubic foot of firing space in our gas soda kiln.
**Please remember that you must bring your Cone 10 bisqueware to our site on loading day**
We require you to attend both the load and unload/cleanup dates.
We are unable to accommodate any cancellations or refunds.
$60
October| 10/06 - 10/12
9 am - 12pm
This opportunity is designed for potters who have had experience with Soda Firing. Included in the cost of your event: one cubic foot of firing space in our gas soda kiln.
**Please remember that you must bring your Cone 10 bisqueware to our site on loading day**
We require you to attend both the load and unload/cleanup dates.
We are unable to accommodate any cancellations or refunds.
$60
Raku & Pit Firing Monthly Informational Lecture
Raku & Pit Firing Monthly Lecture
Immerse Yourself in a Full Day of Ceramic Creativity
Full Day: $160 Non Members | $80 Members
Half Day: $80 Non Members | $40 Members
NOTE: Members will receive an email with a coupon to use when purchasing the class. Please reach out to us if you did not receive the coupon code.
Morning Session: Pit Fire Ceramics
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Start your day by diving into the traditional and natural methods of Pit Fire Ceramics. Under the guidance of our instructor, Matt, you’ll explore the history, preparation, and firing processes that give Pit Fire its distinctive earthy beauty. Learn about different clay bodies, forms, and the use of organic materials to create stunning effects. This session includes interactive lectures, Q&A, and demonstrations to provide a complete understanding of this atmospheric firing technique.
Lunch Break: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Take a break to relax, enjoy your lunch, and mingle with fellow participants. Feel free to bring your lunch or explore local eateries.
Afternoon Session: Raku Firing
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Continue your creative journey in the afternoon with our exciting Raku workshop. Matt will introduce you to the vibrant and unpredictable world of Raku firing, where rapid cooling and post-firing reduction techniques produce unique and dramatic results. This session will cover the history, preparation, and firing processes of Raku, featuring demonstrations and plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.
Full-Day Highlights:
- Comprehensive Learning: Gain in-depth knowledge of both Pit Fire and Raku techniques.
- Community Engagement: Connect with fellow pottery enthusiasts and share your passion.
- Expert Instruction: Benefit from Matt’s extensive experience and personalized guidance
We encourage you to book both sessions on the same day, but you’re welcome to just attend the one you like best.
Raku Firing
Raku Firings
Cost: $100 Non Members | $35 Members
Come join us for an awesome day of Raku at our Atmospheric Firing Center! This firing is designed for potters who have had experience with Raku before. Please bring your bisqued pieces to our site where you will have the opportunity to use a range of our Raku glazes. We look forward to hosting you!
June 29th — 9 am
Raku Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
August 25th — 9 am
Raku Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
October 13th — 9 am
Raku Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
Pit Firings
Cost: $100 Non Members | $35 Members
Come join us for an awesome day of Pit firing at our Atmospheric Firing Center! This firing is designed for potters who have had experience with pit firing before. Please bring your bisqued pieces to our site and get to know the pit fire community!
June 29th — 9 am
Pit Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
August 25th — 9 am
Pit Firing in San Gregorio, CA (location to be provided)
Happy Students
Great place to learn pottery and enjoy the community of artists.
Had a great time learning how to center and shape clay. Amazing to see how a shapeless clay is transformed into a usable object. Owner was great and made our experience with pottery fun!
Open Monday-Friday 9am-1pm and Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm
Come by!