Train Kiln Intensive
September 30–October 6, 2026
Public — $1030
K–12 Educators — $75
(includes instruction, materials, firing & 2 nights housing on firing nights)
Double Room — $65/night
Single Room — $90/night
Free for K–12 educators
Up to 5 additional nights.
This workshop is a hands-on wood-firing experience where participants join Tara Wilson in firing the Watershed train kiln. Instruction will include glazing, wadding, loading, and firing techniques. Participants will learn by doing and are expected to assist in all aspects of the firing process: prep, loading, firing shifts, unloading, and cleanup. Glazes, slips, and wadding will be provided.
About the Instructor
Tara Wilson was captivated by the woodfiring process during her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee. Armed with an MFA from the University of Florida she ventured westward for a transformative residency at The Archie Bray Foundation. Montana’s rugged beauty stole Tara’s heart and in 2008 she planted roots and set up her studio near Helena. She has shared her expertise through lectures and workshops throughout the United States and her work has been exhibited internationally. She facilitated the Cultural Confluence Woodfire Symposium in 2018 and serves as a founding host of The Montana Clay Tour. When not in the studio, Tara can be found roaming the hills on her mountain bike.
Workshop Details
Schedule
Wednesday, 9/30
Glazing & prepping work.
Thursday, 10/1
Prepping & loading the kiln.
Friday, 10/2
Firing!
Saturday, 10/3
Firing!
Sunday, 10/4
DAY OFF while kiln cools.
Monday, 10/5
DAY OFF while kiln cools.
Tuesday, 10/6
Unload the 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
Wednesday, 9/30
Glazing & prepping work.
Thursday, 10/1
Prepping & loading the kiln.
Friday, 10/2
Firing!
Saturday, 10/3
Firing!
Sunday, 10/4
DAY OFF while kiln cools.
Monday, 10/5
DAY OFF while kiln cools.
Tuesday, 10/6
Unload the 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
- Cone 10 bisqueware of different sizes.
- Each participant has about 3 cubic feet of stacking space per person (roughly 3 shelves measuring 12” x 24”). We suggest bringing a bit more than that in case there is extra space. We don’t want an empty kiln!
- Bring a variety of work shapes and sizes. 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!
Note: This is a physically demanding workshop. Participants are expected to participate in all aspects of the firing including but not limited to: chopping and stacking wood, loading and unloading the kiln, and maintaining clean and safe studio and kiln pad spaces to the best of their ability.
What to Bring
- Cone 10 bisqueware of different sizes.
- Each participant has about 3 cubic feet of stacking space per person (roughly 3 shelves measuring 12” x 24”). We suggest bringing a bit more than that in case there is extra space. We don’t want an empty kiln!
- Bring a variety of work shapes and sizes. 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!
Note: This is a physically demanding workshop. Participants are expected to participate in all aspects of the firing including but not limited to: chopping and stacking wood, loading and unloading the kiln, and maintaining clean and safe studio and kiln pad spaces to the best of their ability.
Housing and Meals
On-Campus Housing
In addition to the two nights of housing included in the workshop fee, single or double rooms are available during the workshop. Participants will indicate whether or not they need additional 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 9/30, 10/1, 10/2, 10/3, & 10/6
- Lunch is served on 9/30, 10/1, 10/2, & 10/3
- BBQ dinner on the kiln pad on 10/2 & 10/3
- Participants are responsible for their own dinner on 9/30 & 10/1 and for all food on 10/4 & 10/5
- There are a number of grocery stores and restaurants accessible via car.
- Vegetarian, vegan, & gluten-free diets can be accommodated
- Please feel free to bring supplemental food! Snacks are always a good idea.
Housing and Meals
On-Campus Housing
In addition to the two nights of housing included in the workshop fee, single or double rooms are available during the workshop. Participants will indicate whether or not they need additional 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 9/30, 10/1, 10/2, 10/3, & 10/6
- Lunch is served on 9/30, 10/1, 10/2, & 10/3
- BBQ dinner on the kiln pad on 10/2 & 10/3
- Participants are responsible for their own dinner on 9/30 & 10/1 and for all food on 10/4 & 10/5
- There are a number of grocery stores and restaurants accessible via car.
- Vegetarian, vegan, & gluten-free diets can be accommodated
- Please feel free to bring supplemental food! Snacks are always a good idea.
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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