Baltimore Clayworks invites you to Fire Fest on Saturday,October 19th, from 6-10pm. Come for an evening of fiery celebrations including Clay Olympics, live music, food, drinks, and live kiln firings. Tickets are $25 for “Friends of Clayworks” members, $35 for non-members, and $40 at the door - kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are currently available by phone at 410.578.1919 or in person at 5707 Smith Ave - they will be available on our website soon.
Fire Fest is an exciting celebration of fire - one of a ceramic artist’s most important tools. Fire is essential to create ceramic wares, and can be seductive and dangerous. During the Fire Fest evening, artist Lars Westby will lead live Raku kiln firings and CCBC Essex Professor Trisha Kyner will lead her students in a live Obvara kiln firing. Both of these ceramic firing processes are thrilling and involve pulling a piece of clay from a 1650°F kiln, and then cooling it rapidly. Baltimore Clayworks Noborigama kiln will also be firing during Fire Fest. Clayworks’ Woodkiln Technician Jeremy Wallace will lead students from Towson University, CCBC Essex, Morgan State University, and MICA through the full two-day firing process. During this time, the kiln needs a continuous supply of wood fed into it. The ash from the wood coats the work in the kiln and creates wonderful, rich glaze effects.. Once the kiln reaches the desired temperature of 2300°F, the firing ends and the kiln is left to cool for a week.
Fire Fest will also include live music by The Wedge, fiery food, beer, and a Clay Olympics where attendees are invited to take part in multiple competitions that will test their clay skills. Winners will earn a ceramic award, handmade by artist and Towson ceramics professor Rich Holt.
Proceeds from this event will ensure the continuation of the incredible artistic and educational programs housed both at Clayworks’ Mt. Washington studio and gallery, and in locations around Baltimore City through their Community Arts program. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with friends and family and make a difference by supporting clay artists of all ages and abilities across the Baltimore region.
