A community project that expands hands-on learning and launches new workshops in East Bay ceramics.
Laney College’s Art Department, under the leadership of Department Chair MC Bassett, has built a brand-new American-style wood-fired train kiln on campus—fired for the very first time this past weekend. This marks an exciting new chapter for both students and the broader East Bay ceramics community.
The kiln was constructed during a week-long hands-on workshop in June led by artist Mike Tavares. Participants not only learned key kiln-building techniques but also gained practical experience in glazing, wadding, firing etiquette, and loading methods. Unique in its design, the kiln features a removable flat top for easier loading and a compact size that allows for quicker firing turnarounds.
Community members were invited to join the project through Laney’s new fee-based ceramics workshops—non-academic offerings that open access to specialized training beyond traditional classes. The June kiln-building workshop culminated in the inaugural wood firing over Labor Day weekend, providing participants with the rare opportunity to experience the full cycle of the wood-firing process.
The expansion of Laney’s wood-firing program aligns with a broader cultural celebration. From August 25 through December 5, Laney College’s June Steingart Gallery will host STOKED, a national juried exhibition of wood-fired ceramics. Juried by artist and educator Scott Parady, the show will feature functional and sculptural works by 36 artists from across the country, highlighting the vitality and legacy of wood firing in contemporary practice.
Together, the new kiln and STOKED exhibition highlight Laney College’s growing role as a hub for wood-fired ceramics, connecting students, professional artists, and the community in celebration of a craft that merges labor, fire, and time to produce work that is both timeless and alive.