Atmospheric Soda Firing
October 15–18, 2026
Public — $450
K–12 Educators — $75
(includes meals, materials, & firing)
Double Room — $65/night
Single Room — $90/night
Free for K–12 educators
Dive into the world of atmospheric firing with teaching artist and Watershed’s Studio Manager, Matthew Dercole. This multi-day workshop will cover everything you need to know to incorporate soda firing into your ceramics practice, from glazing to firing to unloading the kiln. Learn how soda firing can enhance your work through hands-on experience and discussions of glaze chemistry, firing techniques, and general need-to-knows of firing a gas downdraft kiln.
About the Instructor
Now Watershed’s Studio and Facilities Manager, Matthew recently moved from Hartford, CT where he taught ceramics at the University of Hartford for nearly a decade. He received his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Iowa and has been an Artist-in-Residence at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln, NE, Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, IL, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. Matthew has worked for artist Theaster Gates, the Clay Studio in Philadelphia, PA, and has held instructor positions in ceramics at multiple art centers and universities across the US. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including museums in Spain, Croatia, South Korea, and Slovenia.
Workshop Details
Schedule
Thursday, 10/15
9 AM - 5PM (note that on this day participants only have 10am-12:30pm for glazing and wadding, best to come prepared for this short turnaround)
Friday, 10/16
9 AM - late evening (depends on firing)
Saturday, 10/17
DAY OFF while kiln cools.
Sunday, 10/18
9 AM - 12:30PM Unload Kiln & clean up.
Note: Please arrive at the Commons by 8:45 AM on workshop days to get breakfast. Instruction begins in the studio at 9 AM. The group will break for lunch at 12:30 PM.
Schedule
Thursday, 10/15
9 AM - 5PM (note that on this day participants only have 10am-12:30pm for glazing and wadding, best to come prepared for this short turnaround)
Friday, 10/16
9 AM - late evening (depends on firing)
Saturday, 10/17
DAY OFF while kiln cools.
Sunday, 10/18
9 AM - 12:30PM Unload Kiln & clean up.
Note: Please arrive at the Commons by 8:45 AM on workshop days to get breakfast. Instruction begins in the studio at 9 AM. The group will break for lunch at 12:30 PM.
What to Bring
Participants must bring:
- Cone 10 bisqueware of different sizes.
- Each participant has about 1.5 cubic feet of stacking space per person (roughly 1 1/2 shelves measuring 12” x 24”). We suggest bringing a bit more than that in case there’s extra space. We don’t want an empty kiln!
- Please limit platters, plates and large bowls that take up a lot of space. Cups, vases, and other vertical objects are great and allow everyone to put more pieces in the kiln.
- Cotton clothing and closed toe shoes
- Respirator with OV (Organic Vapor) cartridges
- Safety goggles and leather gloves
- Packing material to transport work home
- A notebook and pencil is always a good idea!
The workshop fee includes:
- Kiln firing
- Soda ash
- Wadding
- Glaze
- Cone packs
- Individual workspace and shelving
What to Bring
Participants must bring:
- Cone 10 bisqueware of different sizes.
- Each participant has about 1.5 cubic feet of stacking space per person (roughly 1 1/2 shelves measuring 12” x 24”). We suggest bringing a bit more than that in case there’s extra space. We don’t want an empty kiln!
- Please limit platters, plates and large bowls that take up a lot of space. Cups, vases, and other vertical objects are great and allow everyone to put more pieces in the kiln.
- Cotton clothing and closed toe shoes
- Respirator with OV (Organic Vapor) cartridges
- Safety goggles and leather gloves
- Packing material to transport work home
- A notebook and pencil is always a good idea!
The workshop fee includes:
- Kiln firing
- Soda ash
- Wadding
- Glaze
- Cone packs
- Individual workspace and shelving
Housing and Meals
On-Campus Housing
Single or double rooms are available. Participants will indicate whether or not they need housing in the registration form.
Bathroom facilities in our cabins are shared but can be used by one person at a time, much like a bathroom in a home. Participants must bring their own sheets, blankets, and bath towels. Pillows and mattress pads are provided.
Meals
- Breakfast is served on 10/15, 10/16, 10/17, & 10/18
- Lunch is served on 10/15 & 10/16
- BBQ dinner on the kiln pad on 10/16
- Vegetarian, vegan, & gluten-free diets can be accommodated
- Please feel free to bring supplemental food! Snacks are always a good idea.
- There are a handful of grocery stores and restaurants nearby accessible via car.
Housing and Meals
On-Campus Housing
Single or double rooms are available. Participants will indicate whether or not they need housing in the registration form.
Bathroom facilities in our cabins are shared but can be used by one person at a time, much like a bathroom in a home. Participants must bring their own sheets, blankets, and bath towels. Pillows and mattress pads are provided.
Meals
- Breakfast is served on 10/15, 10/16, 10/17, & 10/18
- Lunch is served on 10/15 & 10/16
- BBQ dinner on the kiln pad on 10/16
- Vegetarian, vegan, & gluten-free diets can be accommodated
- Please feel free to bring supplemental food! Snacks are always a good idea.
- There are a handful of grocery stores and restaurants nearby accessible via car.
Payments and Cancellations
Payment is due in full upon registration. Please review our cancellation policy.
Payments and Cancellations
Payment is due in full upon registration. Please review our cancellation policy.
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