Dive into the world of atmospheric firing with teaching artist and Watershed studio manager Matthew Dercole. This multi-day workshop will cover everything you need to know to incorporate soda firing into your ceramics practice, from glazing to firing to unloading the kiln. Learn how soda firing can enhance your work through hands-on experience and discussions of glaze chemistry, firing techniques and general need-to-knows of firing a gas downdraft kiln.
Dates: April 3-6
Workshop Fee: $430 (includes meals & materials)
Optional Housing: $65/night double room; $90/night single room
REGISTERAbout Matthew
Matthew recently moved from Hartford, CT where he taught ceramics at the University of Hartford. Now Watershed’s Studio and Facilities Manager, Matthew received his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Iowa. He has held positions as Work Study at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia, and studio staff at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. He has participated as Artist in Residence at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln NE, Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago IL, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg TN. Matthew has worked for artist Theaster Gates and has held Instructor positions in ceramics at multiple art centers and universities across the US. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including museums in Spain, Croatia, South Korea and Slovenia.
Workshop Schedule
Daily Schedule:
Thursday, April 3: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, April 4: 9:00 a.m. to late evening (varies depending on firing)
Saturday, April 5: Kiln cooling day / Day off
Sunday, April 6: 9:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Please arrive at the Commons by 8:45 a.m. each day to grab breakfast; instruction begins in the studio at 9:00 a.m. The group will break for lunch at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Please note: no lunch is served Saturday and participants are responsible for their own dinners.
- Participants must agree to follow Watershed’s health & safety guidelines. Read them here.
What to Bring
- The workshop fee includes:
- Kiln firing
- Soda ash
- Wadding
- Glaze
- Cone packs
- Individual workspace and shelving
- Participants must bring:
- Bisque ware of different sizes (bring as many pieces as you wish, we don’t want an empty kiln!)
- Cotton clothing and closed toe shoes
- Respirator with OV (Organic Vapor) cartridges
- Safety goggles and leather gloves (if you have them)
- Packing material to transport work home
- Food for a barbecue on Friday, April 4!
Housing & Meals
Watershed provides continental breakfast and self-serve lunch Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Please bring food for a dinner barbecue on Friday, April 4 after loading the kiln! Breakfast only is served Saturday. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets can be accommodated. Those with additional dietary needs are welcome to bring supplemental food to store and prepare in Watershed’s studio kitchenette.
Workshop participants make their own dinner arrangements. Various restaurants and take-out options are accessible via car.
On-Campus Housing
Watershed offers housing in single occupancy or double occupancy rooms furnished with twin beds. Single occupancy rooms are $90/night and double rooms are $65/night. Those who would like to reserve housing may do so with their registration.
Bathroom facilities are shared but can be used by one person at a time, much like a bathroom in a home. Participants must bring their own sheets, blankets, and bath towels. Pillows and mattress pads are provided.
Housing is limited; participants requesting housing and will be assigned rooms on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those arriving Wednesday, the day before the workshop, should arrive between 2:00 p.m. and NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. to check in and be shown to their room.
Those arriving Thursday will be shown to their rooms that morning or at lunch.
Participants may also elect to stay off campus.
Payments & Cancellations
The workshop fee and any housing fees are due in full with your registration.
Please familiarize yourself with Watershed’s Cancellation Policy.