Experience the exciting atmospheric process of pit firing to create dramatic surfaces on your pots from carbonization, flashing and fuming of the smoke, materials and flame.
In this one day hands-on communal firing, you will learn about the entire process of pit firing starting with methods of building and stacking a kiln, exploring materials and preparing the pots, then firing together and we will end the day unloading your amazing pieces from the kiln and learning how to seal and care for them to take home the same day.
Combining traditional and modern methods, Demetria will demonstrate and discuss common materials and the dramatic results they may yield along with a multitude of ways to prepare the pots, layer and wrap materials and sagger your wares. A special collection of materials, combustibles and natural ingredients that she has thoughtfully gathered and selected will be available to you during the workshop to create flashing, shadowing, carbonization and fuming on your pots. You are always welcome to bring any additional materials you wish to explore.
Demetria’s signature pit firing technique draws pots hot from the flames, similar to the raku and horsehair firing process, in order to impart effects of carbonization with horsehair, feathers and other materials.
Together, this same afternoon we will unload the kiln, removing pieces from the pit, continuing to experiment with surface techniques while we witness and discuss the dramatic results from our community during this firing. You will leave with your amazing pit fired pieces.
Saturday June 13, 2026
12pm-4pm
Woodstock, NY
• Each participant will have an opportunity to fire between 6-10 pieces (approximately 1 cubic ft per person), pieces should no more than 6-8” in any direction.
• All pieces must be bisque fired prior to the workshop. If you do not have access to a studio to make pieces for the firing, there will be an opportunity to create work at the upcoming Handbuilding Workshop.
• Paperthin, flat pieces, particularly fragile pieces or those with delicate attachments are not permitted as they can be challenging in a group firing.
• More information regarding clay bodies, decorating pieces, burnishing and terra sigillata techniques will be sent to registered attendees to prepare pieces before the bisque.
All experience levels are welcome. Whether this is your introduction to pit firing or an opportunity to explore more, discover new techniques, learn from each other and see the magic of what this firing reveals. What I love is that every firing sparks the next.
Workshop is located in Woodstock, NY. Exact address to be shared with registered attendees.
All sales final. I am not able to offer refunds for cancellations.
The workshop is rain or shine. Should strong winds, heavy rain or severe fire warnings be in effect on this date, the workshop will be rescheduled.
Special thanks to photographers Michael O’Neill and Cicero de Guzman Jr.
Experience the exciting atmospheric process of pit firing to create dramatic surfaces on your pots from carbonization, flashing and fuming of the smoke, materials and flame.
In this one day hands-on communal firing, you will learn about the entire process of pit firing starting with methods of building and stacking a kiln, exploring materials and preparing the pots, then firing together and we will end the day unloading your amazing pieces from the kiln and learning how to seal and care for them to take home the same day.
Combining traditional and modern methods, Demetria will demonstrate and discuss common materials and the dramatic results they may yield along with a multitude of ways to prepare the pots, layer and wrap materials and sagger your wares. A special collection of materials, combustibles and natural ingredients that she has thoughtfully gathered and selected will be available to you during the workshop to create flashing, shadowing, carbonization and fuming on your pots. You are always welcome to bring any additional materials you wish to explore.
Demetria’s signature pit firing technique draws pots hot from the flames, similar to the raku and horsehair firing process, in order to impart effects of carbonization with horsehair, feathers and other materials.
Together, this same afternoon we will unload the kiln, removing pieces from the pit, continuing to experiment with surface techniques while we witness and discuss the dramatic results from our community during this firing. You will leave with your amazing pit fired pieces.
Saturday June 13, 2026
12pm-4pm
Woodstock, NY
• Each participant will have an opportunity to fire between 6-10 pieces (approximately 1 cubic ft per person), pieces should no more than 6-8” in any direction.
• All pieces must be bisque fired prior to the workshop. If you do not have access to a studio to make pieces for the firing, there will be an opportunity to create work at the upcoming Handbuilding Workshop.
• Paperthin, flat pieces, particularly fragile pieces or those with delicate attachments are not permitted as they can be challenging in a group firing.
• More information regarding clay bodies, decorating pieces, burnishing and terra sigillata techniques will be sent to registered attendees to prepare pieces before the bisque.
All experience levels are welcome. Whether this is your introduction to pit firing or an opportunity to explore more, discover new techniques, learn from each other and see the magic of what this firing reveals. What I love is that every firing sparks the next.
Workshop is located in Woodstock, NY. Exact address to be shared with registered attendees.
All sales final. I am not able to offer refunds for cancellations.
The workshop is rain or shine. Should strong winds, heavy rain or severe fire warnings be in effect on this date, the workshop will be rescheduled.
Special thanks to photographers Michael O’Neill and Cicero de Guzman Jr.
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