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    Laney College Hosts National Wood-Fired Ceramics Exhibition & Kiln Building Workshop

    Laney College Hosts National Wood-Fired Ceramics Exhibition & Kiln Building Workshop

    Picture of Chanda Brewer
    Chanda Brewer
    4 min read

    Two Major Summer Events Celebrate the Art & Community of Ceramics

    This summer, Laney College is set to become a hub for ceramic artists and enthusiasts across the country with two standout events: a national juried exhibition and a hands-on kiln building workshop. Both programs highlight the growing interest in wood-fired ceramics and underscore the college's commitment to fostering craftsmanship and community engagement.

    National Call for Entries: "Stoked" Exhibition Showcases Wood-Fired Ceramics

    The June Steingart Art Gallery at Laney College is now accepting submissions for Stoked: Wood Fired Ceramics, a national juried exhibition dedicated to the fiery art of wood-fired ceramics. This exhibition aims to bring together the most compelling examples of this age-old ceramic technique from across the country.

    The show will be juried by Scott Parady, a respected ceramic artist, educator, and Director of the Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology Project. Parady also serves on the ceramics faculty at California State University, Sacramento. His expertise ensures a thoughtful and inspiring curation of both functional and sculptural works that have undergone the transformative wood-firing process.

    Screenshot 2025-04-08 at 12.54.26 PM

    Submission Details:

    • Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based artists aged 18 and over

    • Accepted Work: Wood-fired ceramic pieces, including both functional ware and sculpture

    • Exhibition Dates: To be announced

    • Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025

    The exhibition title, Stoked, reflects not only the physical act of stoking a wood kiln but also the enthusiasm and energy that define this community of makers.

    "Wood-fired ceramics connect us to centuries of tradition while inspiring new creative possibilities. With Stoked, we’re not only showcasing exceptional work from across the country—we’re also celebrating the vibrant, hands-on spirit that defines the ceramics community at Laney."

    Mary Bassett
    Department Chair, Laney College Art Department.

    Artists are encouraged to visit laney.edu/art for more information and to submit their entries.

    Laney College to Host Kiln Building Workshop in June

    From June 9 to 14, ceramicist Mike Tavares will lead a hands-on workshop at Laney College focused on building an American-style train kiln. Designed with precision using Google SketchUp, the kiln includes a removable flat top for easier loading and a compact design for faster firing cycles.

    Participants will work collaboratively to construct the kiln and learn essential techniques including loading, glazing, wadding, and firing etiquette. The workshop concludes with an inaugural group firing over Labor Day weekend, August 29 to 31.

    LANEY wood kiln building workshopWorkshop Schedule:

    • June 9–14: Kiln construction and instruction

    • August 29–31: Inaugural wood firing session

    Workshop Fees:

    • $330 – Student Rate

    • $450 – General Public

    • $50 – Kiln Basics Lecture & Demo (June 14)

    Register now --->>>

    Connect with Laney Art Department

    Stay updated on these events and more by following:

    Laney College continues to support artistic innovation and education through community-driven programs. These two events invite artists from around the country to learn, create, and exhibit in a space designed to inspire and ignite.