Musinia Art Center, Utah State University Eastern and The Dawn’s Light Studios announce the building of the first wood-fired kiln of its type in Utah, and only the second in North America.

Kiln building begins on Monday, August 6th , at 128 Uintah in Helper,  and is scheduled to finish Tuesday the 7th. That evening, local ceramic artists and invited guests will begin firing some of their artwork. The firing will continue throughout the night and finish on Wednesday evening, after reaching temperatures of nearly 2,400° F.

In conjunction with the kiln-building, the event will feature three short workshops on Thursday, featuring long-term Utah educator Andy Watson, ceramics artist and glaze master, Ms. Mayumi Makino Kiefer, kiln building coordinator and Mr. Steven Kiefer, Executive Director, Musinia Art Center.

Mr. Kiefer will give a brief introduction to the power of ceramics, to heal the mind and spirit, developing economies, and build communities.

Ms. Makino-Kiefer will present a session on how to use the wood-fired kiln being built, and its various sweet-spots.”

Mr. Watson is well-known for his Utah 2900 project, where he glazed 100 pieces of ceramic ware for Utah’s 29 counties, glazed with natural minerals gathered from each. This will be the focus of his presentation.

USU Eastern will host works by the guest artists on campus in the CIB  gallery located at 451 E. 400 N.⋅Price, UT, on Thursday and Friday From 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, or by special arrangement.

Saturday morning events will begin at 10:a.m. through noon at USUE, and will include chances for the public to see and participate in clay throwing activities, and enjoy light refreshments.

All portions of the event are free; participation in the firing and kiln-building activity requires registration, which is also free. Observers are welcome.

For information and registration call 937-216-6759, or by email musinia.art.center@gmail.com