Understanding Electric Kilns: A Hands-On Workshop
- Details
- Location
- About The Artist
- Policies
- Liability & Safety
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens inside an electric kiln! In this five-hour intensive led by lead studio tech Genia Rosenblum, participants will learn the fundamentals of electric kiln firing, from understanding cones, firing schedules, and kiln controllers to safely and efficiently loading bisque and glaze work.
The workshop combines classroom instruction and discussion with hands-on kiln loading demonstrations. Participants will learn how to prepare and organize kiln loads, maximize kiln space, prevent common firing mistakes, and troubleshoot issues that can affect finished work.
Whether you're considering purchasing your first kiln, already firing your own work, or simply want a better understanding of what happens to your pottery after it leaves your hands, this workshop will help you approach the firing process with greater knowledge and confidence.
No previous kiln experience is required. Some familiarity with ceramics is recommended.
This is a 5 hour workshop meeting on:
Saturday, January 16: 10am - 3pm
Part I: Understanding Electric Kilns 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We'll begin with the fundamentals of electric kiln operation and firing, including:
- How electric kilns work and their basic components
- Understanding cones, firing temperatures, and heatwork
- Kiln controllers and firing schedules
- The differences between bisque and glaze firings
- Kiln shelves, posts, kiln wash, and other kiln furniture
- Basic kiln safety and maintenance
- Common firing issues and troubleshooting
- Considerations when purchasing or installing an electric kiln
Lunch Break 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
We'll take a 30-minute break for lunch. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch or grab something nearby.
Part II: Loading the Kiln - Bisque & Glaze 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
We'll move from theory into practice with hands-on demonstrations of how to prepare and load electric kilns for both bisque and glaze firings.
Topics will include:
- Preparing a kiln for loading
- Loading bisque and glaze work, and understanding the differences between the two
- Arranging shelves and posts to accommodate different forms
- Proper spacing and positioning of work
- Maximizing kiln space without compromising firing results
- Loading large, tall, or sculptural pieces
- Preventing glaze accidents through proper placement and preparation
- Using kiln wash, cookies, and other kiln furniture
- Common loading mistakes and how to avoid them
- Troubleshooting different loading scenarios
Throughout the workshop, participants will have opportunities to ask questions, discuss their own firing experiences, and gain practical insight into the decisions involved in planning a successful kiln load.
1600 Altamont Ave, Richmond, VA 23230
Genia Rosenblum is a ceramic artist and educator with over 20 years of experience working with clay. She has taught ceramics at institutions including the Workhouse Arts Center and the Corcoran, sharing her knowledge of wheel throwing, surface design, glazing, and ceramic processes with students of all skill levels.
As Lead Studio Technician at Still Life Ceramics Studio in Richmond, Genia oversees kiln operations, glaze development, and the technical aspects of running a community ceramics studio. Her work combines a deep understanding of ceramic materials and processes with a playful approach to form, color, and surface.
Genia is also the artist behind MADE RVA, where she creates colorful, functional ceramics inspired by everyday experiences and a love of making.
By enrolling in a class or workshop, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the safety instructions and liability waiver.
Cancellations made 4 or more days before the start of the class will be refunded. For cancellations made fewer than 4 full days, but more than 24 hours before the start time, a 50% refund or 50% credit toward another class or workshop will be issued. We cannot provide refunds or credits for cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 24 hours before the start time of class, if you miss your class, or arrive too late to participate.
Liability & Safety
All students must agree to the following upon registering for a class or workshop at Still Life Studio:
Waivers and Safety for Ceramic Classes and Studio Use
- Students will follow all instructions by teacher.
- Students will not load, unload or operate the kilns.
- Long hair should be tied back.
- Do not wear articles of clothing or jewelry that hang off the body.
- Closed footwear is required.
- Do not use any equipment without a staff member present.
- SLS will provide safety glasses or gloves upon request.
- All completed work must be picked up from Still Life Studio no later than 4 weeks after the student’s final class. Still Life Studio is not responsible for any work left longer than 4 weeks. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up their work.
I hereby release and agree to hold Still Life Studio harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act of the studio, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any services received from Still Life Studio. I understand that this release discharges Still Life Studio from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against the studio with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from Still Life Studio. This liability waiver and release extends to the studio together with all owners, partners, and employees.
Liability Waiver
In connection with my involvement in ceramic classes at Still Life Studio, I hereby release Still Life Studio, its agents, representatives, successors, or assignees, Still Life Studio management and employees, from all liabilities, actions, claims, damages, demands, costs, and expenses which I am now or in the future have against them, arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in art classes, including enroute to or from the program or its related events. I understand that the waiver includes, but is not limited to, all injuries to me and or loss of injuries to any personal property. I also understand that this waiver includes, but is not limited to, any claims that are based on my alleged negligence or any other action or inaction of any of the above parties.
I also give Still Life Studio permission to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image of myself and/or my work for the general promotion of Still Life Studio and its programs.
By enrolling in a class or workshop, I am acknowledging that I have read and understand the safety instructions and the liability waiver that have been outlined.