Women’s Spring Woodfire

Instructor: Melanie Bisbach 

Dates: May 6 – 10, 2026 

Kiln Unload: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time: Wednesday 9:00 am – Sunday 12:00 pm

Skill Level: All Levels – ability to bring 50 to 70 unglazed bisque fired pieces made of any cone 10 clay body 

Tuition Only: $860 (includes all meals)

Tuition & Lodging: $1,285 single room, $1,065 shared room (includes all meals)

Join us at Adamah’s catenary arch wood/salt kiln for a firing that emphasizes building community among female ceramic artists. Participants will bring unglazed bisqueware, and we will glaze together at Adamah. Adamah will provide glazes (but feel free to bring some of your own if there is something specific you want to try out).  

Please bring 50 to 70 unglazed bisque fired pieces made of any cone 10 clay body. It is helpful to have pieces of various sizes and shapes, so bring a variety for the best results! We will discuss the effects we can expect from the raw clay by itself, as well as the studio slips and glazes. The layout of this kiln is very vertical, so we will have limited space for low open forms like plates and bowls. Plate and bowl sets will be expected to be left raw or slipped so that they can be stacked rim to rim. We will learn about creative stacking methods to help guide the flames and salt through the kiln. We will also spend time talking about how to pack the kiln in an efficient manner. There is always room for small fillers in the kiln, so test tiles are welcomed and encouraged!

This workshop includes access to several studio glazes and slips.  There will be in-depth instruction at each step of the process, with communication and learning being a key focus throughout the loading and firing process. The firing will end on Sunday, with a short clean-up taking place Sunday morning before everyone leaves. The workshop will conclude at the end of unloading and cleanup on Saturday, May 16th. Breakfast on Saturday is included.