FALL ADULTS WORKSHOP: Introduction to Wood Firing

INT/ADV     

Course Description:     
Your introduction to wood firing in a collaborative program between The Umbrella and our community members Mike Palmquist and Diane Pearlman. Learn all about firing their unique compact wood kiln with hands-on participation at every stage of the process. We will offer participants an orientation meeting and the appropriate clay for a cone 10 wood firing. For the firing weekend, everyone will get hands-on experience loading the kiln and participating in a 10–12-hour group firing. The day of the firing will have pot-luck refreshments and a great community atmosphere as we learn about this amazing new kiln together at Warner’s Pond in West Concord!

Dates:
Orientation Meeting: Tuesday, September 29th 6:00pm-8:00pm at The Umbrella
Kiln Load: Friday, November 6th, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Kiln Fire: Saturday, November 7th, ~8:00am-8:00pm
Kiln Unload: Monday, November 9th, 9:00am-Finish

:
Umbrella will provide 25lb of Standard #508 woodfire clay included in the cost of registration. Clay will be distributed during the orientation meeting. Work will be bisque-fired along side other Umbrella community work. It is your responsibility to keep track of your pieces for this firing. Registration allows for producing one 12”X24” shelf of work, or about one cubic foot. Slips/Glazes and other special material suggestions will be discussed during the orientation. This workshop is only open to students enrolled in a Summer semester ceramics class or the Independent Program, and is suitable for intermediate-advanced students.

Instructor: Mike Palmquist & Diane Pearlman
Mike Palmquist is a ceramic artist originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who now spends much of his time in Concord, Massachusetts with his partner Diane Pearlman. He studied ceramics at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and worked as a full-time potter for nearly 20 years. After a decade away from the studio, Mike has returned to clay with renewed energy and perspective. He continues to explore new directions in ceramics,... Learn More »
Age range: 
Adult
Students min/max: 
7/10
Duration: 
4 days
Day/time: 
Tuesday, September 29, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Dates: 
September 29, 2026
Location: 
Room 201
Cost: 
$235