We are always looking for new potters to share the FireSong wood-firing experience with. The kiln is usually fired 3-4 times a year. To get notifications about upcoming firings, email fishfire@gmail.com to get added to the mailing list. Announcements are usually made 1-2 months in advance of the firing. To secure a spot in the firing, you must notify Rob of your interest and pay the firing fee (currently set at $150).

What to Expect & What We Expect

• Cost to participate: $150 + 2 stoke shifts (4-hours each)
• Space per Person: Guaranteed a full 24″ x 18″ shelf of varying size work (but bring extra)

Each participant is expected to glaze and wad their own work. Work should be ready to load by noon Thursday for the salt section and by 9am Friday for the remainder of the kiln.

Participants are expected to be available to help with loading, firing, unloading and clean-up the following week. Clean-up includes scraping shelves & posts, re-washing shelves, ‘sweeping’ out the kiln, splitting and stacking wood, wiping down tables, cleaning up trash and generally organizing the kiln site.

While not required, assistance with splitting wood leading up to the firing is always appreciated. A log splitter is available on site.

Getting to FireSong

Address: 1790 Boxwood Manor, Pendleton, SC

Directions:

From I-85: Take Exit 19B. Follow SC-28 W/US-76 W/Clemson Blvd for 2.5 miles to Milwee Creek Rd/State Rd S-4-58 and turn right. Follow for a quarter mile and turn left onto Boxwood Manor.

When You Arrive:

The kiln is located on a backlot of a local farm / event venue called Boxwood Manor. As you approach Boxwood Manor from Milwee Creek Rd, there will be a field on your right, followed by a gravel road that leads to a large green gate (the gate is generally open throughout the firing). Follow the gravel road through the gate and down past a large work shed on the right. You will then park on the grass on the left side of the road just before the driveway on the left which leads to the kiln. If there is room, you can pull into the kiln driveway to unload before parking. Do not, under any circumstances, go beyond the ‘Private Residence’ sign leading to the large house on the pond.

What to Bring

• Bisque-fired, cone 10 pottery. We will not fire raw clay. Kiln regularly reaches cone 10-12, so if you have any question about your clay body, ask before loading.
• Notebook – for recording what glazes you used, where pieces were placed in the kiln, and other tidbits you learn about the process
• Work Gloves for handling bricks, shelves or wood
• Leather Gloves for Stoking – Welding gloves work great and can be purchased at any hardware or Tractor Supply store
• Closed-toe Shoes are required during stoke shifts.
• A long-sleeve shirt, long pants and a hat/bandana to hold back hair are recommended to protect you from heat and errant flames. Clothing should be natural fibers. Polyester melts!
• Sponges, Brushes, Tongs or other items needed for glazing. School glue to attaching wadding. All of these items will be available on site for sharing, but it is sometimes easier to have your own tools when lots of people are glazing at the same time.
• Chair
• Snacks