"Dear Allison and Nadette,
Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful wood-firing!! It was such a great experience
and I enjoyed working for the hungry kiln. It's amazing to see how wood burns, smokes
and heat comes out from the kiln, and thinking about all of our art works being inside
of that red hot kiln. It was very wild and exciting!!! Thank you again for your hard
work and giving me a chance to experience it!!"
Kumiko Nuss
Experience the kinship and the magic of firing a wood kiln! Community firings are scheduled regularly at the Pottery at Searchwell and offer potters a rare and unique opportunity to experience the entire process of a wood firing. Participants bring their bisque fired pottery and are completely involved in the packing, firing, salting and unpacking of the kiln. The community firings are lead by Allison, Blair and Nadette. We teach and share our techniques and ideas on glazing pots for the wood kiln, stacking methods within the kiln chamber, firing and stoking patterns and salting techniques. Community firings offer a unique and wonderful opportunity for those potters with an interest in a complete hands-on wood-firing experience. For more information or to register for an upcoming community firing, contact Nadette at nadetteboughton@yahoo.com. Click here for guidelines and fees.
In addition to community firings, ceramic instructors may bring their students to our pottery for a wood firing workshop. This is a great opportunity to introduce students to different clay bodies and glazes and to finishing their pots with salt and fire. Instructors typically set aside several weeks of class time to throw pots specifically for our wood kiln and end the session with a weekend firing with our instruction. For more information on reserving the kiln for a workshop contact Allison at 240.446.9552 or Allison@allisonseverancepottery.com. Click here for guidelines and fees.
Upcoming Community Firings and Workshops
- March 13, 14 and 20: The Art League Workshop/Susie Cohen's class
- April 17, 18 and 24: Community Firing with Allison, Blair and Nadette
- May 15, 16 and 22: The Art League Workshop/Susie Cohen's Class
- Minimum of eight participants required. All community firing dates subject to cancellation or change.
Accomodations, Etc.
Some out of towners may find accommodations here in our historic home or are more than
elcome to camp out in our pine grove! If accommodations are not available here, visit
the following establishments:
Stoney Creek Farm is a beautiful
bed and breakfast just down the road and across the creek.
The Bavarian Inn is about 15 minutes
away and overlooks the Potomac River in beautiful Shephardstown, West Virginia.
The Sleep Inn
in Hagerstown is just off I-70 and about seven miles from the pottery.
Click here for information about visiting Coles Pottery and
nearby attractions.
Click here for directions to the pottery.
Photos by Debbie Williamson