Workshops

The Manabigama II Visitor Workshop with Bill van Gilder and John Thies is open to individuals who are interested in test firing the new Manabigama II kiln and who are also interested in building one of their own.  We will focus on loading, firing and unloading during the three day span.  The kiln plans will be available for purchase and we can discuss and answer questions, along with a slide show of construction of this kiln. Participants may bring 20 to 30 kiln friendly pot's to fire.  Please have them lined or glazed ahead of time.  There are some guidelines on this website for those who are not experienced with wood firing as far as clay body's, glazing, suggestions, etc.  You may also email or call with your questions. The total price for the firing workshop is $200 per person.  If you would like to purchase the Manabigama II Kiln plans, CD, and materials list, as well, the price for them is as additional $250. More Workshops to be scheduled -- Click Here to email us about other dates!
The Manabigama kiln is available for workshop rentals to students who have an interest in a complete hands-on experience from preparation, loading, firing and unloading to final clean up. It is also available to suit any high school, college, and professional potters organizations annual, or semester curriculum. As an example, the class on working towards a wood firing can be taught at the ceramic facility, and at the end of the session, students are offsite to carry out a complete hands on wood firing experience with John as a monitor.	Manabigama Group from Alexandria, VA Firing
This kiln holds 24 cubic feet of stacking space and can be loaded in 2 to 3 hours, fires evenly to cone 10-12 in 8 hours tops or if you choose, two or 3 days depending on how much ash build up you’d like.   Consumption of fuel is minimal (less than ½ cord of wood for a 8 hr. firing).  The size of this kiln makes it very manageable to work with small groups. All in all, a great kiln for a simple introduction to wood firing.	Bruce Bowers and Manabigama Firing Crew from Washington, DC
Frederick Pottery School with Bill van Gilder - Manabigama kiln firing	John Thies' Noborigama Workshop - after kiln opening May 19, 2007
Montgomery Potters Kiln Opening
Langley Park Workshop group after their recent firing	A happy workshop group with their finished pieces from the Manabigama kiln
Workshop student stoking Manabigama kiln
	One of the students pieces from the Manabigama kiln showing natural fly ash glaze and wood flashing

2008 Monocacy Pottery Kiln Schedules
Manabigama I
Click Here to email us and schedule your workshop
Manabigama II
Frederick Pottery School:	September 13th & 14th
	October 4th & 5th
	November 8th & 9th
Bruce Bowers:	December 11th & 12th
**Visitor Firing:
Click Here to email us for additional dates!

Manabigama Firing Guidelines and Pricing
for 2008 – click here

For additional details on workshops with Manabigama kiln, please contact us by e-mail. 

~ Workshop references available upon request.~