From December 4 to December 11, FVPG members conducted a wood fire at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. On December 4, members glazed their pots; on the 5th, the kiln was loaded, and, on December 6 and 7, everyone participating took a four-hour shift stoking the kiln. The kiln was opened on December 11, when treasures were revealed. A crocodile line of rapt potters conveyed the work from the kiln to waiting tables amidst many oohs and ahs. Later, the kiln shelves were carefully ground and re-covered with kiln wash, and the completed work was admired. The firing was followed by a Holiday potluck, which gave members a great opportunity to socialize and share results. On another positive note, the FVPG was able to contribute $210 to a local foodbank from members’ donations.
In addition to the wood fire, a sawdust firing was conducted, which produced many beautiful results. The opportunity to engage with these fascinating alternative firing methods is one of the most valuable aspects of FVPG membership. Thank you to Cheryl Stapleton for organizing the complex glazing and firing schedules, to Linda Ward for organizing the sawdust firing, and to all the members who helped make this event a great success!
We wish you all a very happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you all in 2025!
Top row: unloading the kiln in a crocodile line—lots of oohs and ahs! Bottom left: grinding those gnarly kiln shelves; right: admiring the wonderful results.
Two beautiful results from the sawdust fire by Linda Ward