How Do I Find A Community Kiln?
A community kiln is a kiln that is shared by a group of ceramic artists or potters. Community kilns provide access to high temperature firing equipment like gas, electric, or wood-fired kilns that individual artists may not be able to afford or have space for on their own.
Access to a community kiln allows ceramic artists to fully complete their work by firing their finished ware to high temperatures needed to harden and finish clay work. Without access to a kiln, ceramic work cannot progress past the greenware stage where it is dried but unfired. Having a place to fire work is essential for ceramic artists and potters.
There are many benefits to using a community kiln rather than owning a private kiln. Community kilns allow the cost to be shared among multiple users. They build connections between local artists. And they provide expert knowledge from experienced kiln operators. For these reasons, ceramic artists often seek access to community kilns in their local area.
Check Local Arts Centers
One great place to look for a community kiln is your local arts center. Many arts centers these days offer public access to ceramics studios, equipment, and kilns. Taking a ceramics class is a good way to get familiar with the facilities and meet other local artists. Even if you don’t want to take a formal class, many arts centers sell monthly memberships that allow you to use the studios during open hours. These centers are supported by public funding to provide access to the arts, so take advantage of the resources in your community.
Start by looking at the website and social media pages for your local arts commission, arts council, or arts alliance. They often maintain directories and calendars of arts programming happening around your city or town. This can help you find independent ceramics studios, university programs, galleries, and nonprofits that have kilns available to the public. You may be surprised just how many accessible art studios are operating right in your own neighborhood!
Contact Local Ceramics Stores
Local ceramics stores can be great resources for finding community kilns in your area. Many shops that sell clay, pottery tools, glazes, etc. will have relationships with local artists, schools, and studios that offer kiln access.
Ceramics shop employees often have their finger on the pulse of the local pottery scene. Explain that you’re looking for a community kiln to fire your pieces, and ask if they know of any nearby. Some shops may host studio nights or classes that provide kiln access for students.
If the store offers any classes, ask the instructor about kiln options for firing work outside of class. Teachers who work at multiple studios can provide insights into available community kilns.
Some ceramic shops rent studio space complete with kilns. Rental rates are usually very reasonable for occasional use. Be sure to ask about policies – some may require you to fire only their in-house glazes and clay.
If the shop hosts any pottery clubs or groups, ask about attending a meeting. Club members often share kiln space and can advise you on the best local options.
With their specialized knowledge and connections, local ceramic suppliers are invaluable resources for finding community kilns in your area.
Look for College/University Programs
Many college art departments have kilns that ceramics students can access as part of their programs. For example, the University of Chapman has dedicated studio space for art majors and minors with 24-hour access. The studios are equipped with kilns and other equipment for ceramics and sculpture students to use.
Contact the art department of local colleges or universities to ask about opportunities for community members to access their kilns and facilities. Many programs allow outside ceramic artists to pay a membership fee to use studio space and kilns during certain hours when students are not working. This can be a cost-effective way to find kiln access through an established art program.
Before approaching a college, research the specifics of their facilities and equipment. Look at the courses offered to get a sense of the media and techniques supported. The Brick Stack Arts Center offers classes, events and access to studio space with community kilns in Framingham, MA.
Search Online Directories
One of the best ways to find a community kiln near you is to search online directories that specialize in connecting potters with kiln owners. Sites like Kiln Share list kilns available to rent across the world on an interactive map. You can search for kilns based on location and filter by criteria like size, fuel type, and availability. Other directories like Pottery Directory on Ceramic Arts Daily provide categorized lists of resources for potters, including access to community kilns. Leveraging these online databases can help you discover and connect with kiln owners in your area who are open to renting out their space.
Join a Local Ceramics Group
One of the best ways to gain access to a community kiln is by joining a local ceramics group like a potter’s guild or ceramic arts center. Many of these organizations have kilns that members can use for a small fee or as part of their membership benefits. Being part of a ceramics group not only gives you firing access but also connects you with other local artists to learn from and collaborate with.
Try searching for “[city name] pottery guild” or “[city name] ceramic arts center” to find groups near you. You can also check sites like Ceramic Arts Network and Access Ceramics which list ceramic studios across the US and Canada. Call or email groups in your area to ask about membership costs, kiln availability, and firing fees.
Joining a ceramics guild or community arts center allows you to fire your work regularly without having to buy your own kiln. You’ll gain access to shared studio space, equipment, and knowledgeable ceramic artists who can provide firing assistance. Memberships often include additional benefits like discounts on clay purchases, free workshops, and opportunities to exhibit work.
Check Craigslist & Facebook
One place where people sometimes list kiln rental or access is in online classifieds like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. You can search these sites for listings in your local area from individuals, studios, or shops that have a kiln and may allow access or rental time.
For example, the Facebook group “Kiln Mississippi Classifieds” (https://www.facebook.com/groups/511172929022008/) allows people to post listings for kiln sales, rentals, or access. You may find similar groups specific to your region. Additionally, the Facebook Marketplace category for kilns (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/category/kilns/) lists kilns for sale that you could potentially inquire about renting time with.
Checking classified sections regularly and posting wanted ads can help connect you to kiln access opportunities in your community. Be sure to thoroughly vet any listings and make sure it is a safe and legitimate opportunity before committing.
Look for Shared Studio Spaces
Many cities have shared creative spaces that provide access to specialized equipment like kilns for ceramics. These spaces allow artists to rent time on kilns and other equipment rather than having to purchase their own. Some examples of shared studio spaces include:
Mud Fire in Atlanta offers a variety of membership levels that include kiln usage – https://www.mudfire.com/memberships/. They have several electric and gas kilns available.
Santa Fe Clay in New Mexico has a collaborative studio with kilns available to rent – https://www.santafeclay.com/studio-membership. Members can use the studio facilities and kilns for a monthly fee.
Looking in your local area for a shared creative space with ceramic studio facilities is a great option to find kiln access without having to buy your own equipment. The membership fees are usually much more affordable than purchasing and maintaining your own kilns as well. Shared studio spaces allow potters to fire their work without the high upfront investment.
Consider Building Your Own
With enough effort and expertise, you can construct a personal kiln tailored to your specific needs. Building your own kiln allows full customization of the size, shape, and features. It also gives the satisfaction of creating your own equipment. However, this option requires dedication and skills.
You’ll need materials like firebrick, ceramic fiber blanket, and sheet metal. You’ll also need equipment like a welder for the frame and controls. The book “Building Your Own Kiln” provides step-by-step instructions from professional potters [1]. There are also online guides detailing DIY kiln construction [2].
The process requires masonry skills, electrical know-how, and engineering ability. But for those with the necessary expertise, constructing a personal kiln allows full customization and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several ways to go about finding a community kiln in your area. Start by checking local arts centers, ceramics stores, colleges, online directories, and ceramics groups to see if they have a kiln you can use. You can also look on sites like Craigslist and Facebook for shared studio spaces or post that you are looking to join a kiln. If you are unable to find a suitable community kiln, consider getting a group together to build your own shared kiln.
The key things to remember when trying to locate a community kiln are: leverage local resources like arts organizations and colleges first, reach out online via directories, forums and postings to connect with the ceramics community, and be open to creating your own kiln space if needed. With some perseverance and creativity, you should be able to find access to a kiln in your community.
