This two-day workshop introduces participants to the principles, construction, and firing techniques of a rocket kiln. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of alternative kiln designs and participate in a full build and firing cycle. The workshop is open to all levels and emphasizes collaboration, experimentation, and community learning.

Participant Checklist:

• 3 pieces 4”x4”-4”x6”
• Pieces must be bisqued
• Surface decorating materials for cone 6 if desired (some glazes will be provided)
• Lunch (some light snacks will be provided)

Day 1: Introduction, Construction & Firing 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Welcome & Introductions ● Meet instructors and participants ● Overview of the workshop goals and schedule ● Safety protocols and site orientation

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Presentation: Rocket Kilns in Context ● History of rocket stoves and rocket kilns ● How they work: anatomy, airflow, combustion efficiency ● Comparison to traditional kilns (electric, gas, wood) ● Environmental and material benefits ● Visual aids and open discussion encouraged

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM Planning Our Firing ● Group discussion about firing (cone 6 oxidation) ● Review of kiln capabilities and firing outcomes ● Orientation to participant bisqueware: sizes, glazes, expectations

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Kiln Build Begins ● Hands-on construction of rocket kiln using pre-gathered materials ● Participants split into teams to focus on different parts: firebox, chimney, chamber

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM ● Potluck-style communal lunch and open Q&A ● Informal discussion of process, kiln theory, and past examples ● Opportunity to connect and ask individual questions

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Complete Construction & Prepare for Firing ● Finalize kiln assembly ● Add insulation and sealing as needed ● Load participant bisqueware into kiln ● Prep for firing: stacking, wadding, atmosphere control

2:30 PM – 7:00 PM Kiln Firing ● Group rotation: stoking, temperature checks, atmosphere monitoring ● Active learning through doing ● Opportunity to observe color, flame behavior, thermal feedback ● Breaks encouraged; snacks and drinks available ● Evening wind-down with discussion or informal hangout as desired ● Workshop instructors will finish the firing if participants are unable to stay the duration of the firing

Day 2: Unloading, Reflection, & Wrap-Up 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Meet-Up & Coffee ● Check on kiln temperature ● Share first impressions and reflections

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Kiln Unloading ● Open to view to the public of unloading of kiln, mini show of work

● Group discussion of results: glaze effects, flashing, firing atmosphere ● Technical reflection: what worked, what surprised us, what we’d change

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Cleanup & Site Reset

● Potluck-style communal lunch ● Group effort to return materials, clean up the kiln area ● Sort bricks, tools, and remaining supplies ● Safe disposal of ash or debris if necessary

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Final Reflection & Group Discussion ● What did we learn from the process? ● How might this inform our studio practices? ● How to apply rocket kiln concepts in other settings ● Open-ended Q&A and participant feedback

Additional Notes ● Participants are required to bring bisque-fired ceramic work. ● Kiln bricks, tools, and firing materials will be provided. ● Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring appropriate work clothing. ● Water and snacks provided; lunch included on Day 1.

Tinworks Artist Workshops are evening workshops for adults to learn specialized art techniques and gain insight into artists’ processes through making and experimenting in clay, earthen materials, kilns, and poetry. The instructors are local Montana artists spanning a variety of creative practices and mediums. These workshops are low-cost for the public in order to be inclusive, but to also support the artists. Tinworks is committed to removing barriers to participation. Scholarships available upon request. Space is limited and registration required to allow instructors time to prepare materials. To view project examples and artists’ works please visit the local artist display area in the Family & Community Space. Contact Community Outreach & Education Coordinator Angela Yonke, angela.yonke@tinworksart.org for more information.

Kariah Slagel grew up in Tempe, Arizona and learned how to woodfire at the Reitz Ranch. Currently residing in Bozeman, her work focused on patterns and surface decoration of mainly functional woodfired work.

https://www.instagram.com/kariahdream

kdslagel@gmail.com

Thomas Robinson was raised on Bainbridge Island, Washington and is currently pursuing a BFA from Montana State University. His work, a range of functional and sculptural, focuses on exposing unseen value in the everyday through geometric abstraction.

thomasrobinson030205@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/trobinson_ceramics