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THE FIRESTICK STUDIO
Whether you're a monthly member, a student, or work elsewhere and just glaze and fire in our kilns, Firestick's 1,000 sq. foot studio and spacious grounds provide everything you need... including a gallery in which to sell your work. A FEW BASICS... The studio is open daily 10am–6pm Artist and visitors may come during open hours. Knowledgeable staff are always on hand. The air conditioned studio has 17 wheels, a hand building room, a large outdoor picnic area and an outdoor glaze room and spray booth. We run both bisque- and glaze-firing TWICE every week. Studio Membership Monthly members and active students may use the studio during extended hours (8am to 8pm) 7 days a week. Membership is $165 in the first month, which includes a 25# bag of clay, then drops down to an ongoing fee of $155 per month. Clay Stoneware clay is $25 per bag; porcelain is $30. We carry a variety of cone 10 clays and can special order specific clays upon request. Glazing Members and students may use our selection of more than 40 glazes, mixed “from scratch” from generations-old recipes. Studio Rental Fee Experienced potters may drop in to use the studio for up to 3 hours at a time for $25, and may purchase for $12.50 for half a bag. Finished pieces made may be fired for an additional fee which includes the use of our over 40 glazes. . |
Firing Types
Most firing is reduction, cone 10. Oxidation firing, cone 5-6, and cone 06 are available by special arrangement. Raku and pit firing are also available by special arrangement and by donation. Regular firings are included with monthly membership, although high volume production potters may be subject to an additional firing charge. What is raku pottery? Raku pottery is a Japanese firing method in ceramics that goes back to 1580. It was first introduced to the United Sates in the early 1900's by renowned potter Bernard Leach. A potter removes a clay body from a kiln at high temperatures around 1800 degrees F causing it to cool quickly. As it cools, the potter applies combustible materials like paper, sawdust, leaves into a metal bucket or container. After the materials combust into flames, the bucket is covered cutting off oxygen to create a heavy smoke "reduction" environment. This results in blackening any unglazed areas and glaze designs that are rich, textured, and unique. Firing for pots made elsewhere Non member/student pottery may be fired weekly at FIRESTICK using your own cone 10 clay and glazes. Cone 5-6 or 06 oxidation firings are done by special arrangement according to needs. Firing charge is $.07 per cubic inch per firing. |