We have 2 seats left as of May 30th. Please send us a message of interest if you'd like to join us! We'll update on availability the first week of June once our current registrations settle into place.
 
Form, Surface & Woodfire: A collabortive Workshop with special guest Lisa Barry!
 
With a combined 40+ years experience in clay, we are committed to sharing skills and igniting passion with a side of humour in this dynamic duo workshop.
 
Hands to the wheel, you'll start the week working from April's historic Schoolhouse studio. Not to worry, handbuilders... we've saved some space for you too. Our first forms will be crafted with cone 10 wood firing in mind. Transition from raw work to an in-depth exploration of surface from greenware to bisque forms. We'll dive into resists, image transfer and layering. After three days of making, we switch gears and locations.
 
Armed with wares, you will be welcomed to Lisa's Homestead Studio where she'll guide you through glazing and preparing work for a choreographed loading of her wood fired kiln. Next, spend a day stoking the kiln and learn the intricate skills of heat work over time. While the kiln cools, return to Blackbird Pottery to finish image transfer work and deepen your understanding for mid-fired ceramics. On Sunday, we return to Homestead, unload the wood kiln and wrap-up with a celebratory critique.
 
Though it's a full week, we’ve built in flex time for R&R in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands.
 
Please Note: this workshop is not suitable for beginners. Experience with the potter’s wheel and a general working knowledge working with clay is helpful. We also hold space for handbuilders! ;) 
 
Please specify whether you are joining for wheel work or handbuilding upon registration. If you are unsure if this is a good fit for you, please don't hestiate to reach out!
 
A full itinerary will be provided no later than 1 month prior to the start of workshop.
 
Participants are responsible for their own accomodation, meals and transportation. It may be possible to do some 'car pooling' throughout the week. Helpful resources for area accommodations can be forwarded upon request. We've included a map of the area, the distance from our studios is approximately 20 minutes by car.
 
Fees /2025:
$850 +$100 material fee = $950.00
950.00 +123.50 hst
Total: $1073.50
 
Please note, despite the potential fluctuations in material costs, at this point, we are maintaining 2024 pricing for 2025.
 
Material fees include the following:
Cone 10 clay, slip and glazes
Cone 6 Bisque form from Blackbird Pottery (for surface explorations)
Supplies for image transfer, underglazes, slips, glazes
Full use of studio tools & equipment
Instruction from 2 artists, 2 studios, 2 kilns and 2 firing ranges!
2 x bisque firings
1 x cone 6 firing
1 x cone 10 wood firing (including wood and material preparation for wood firing)
 
In the event of severe weather, changes may be required.
 
Upon Registration, please let us know the following:
1. Current skill level: early-mid beginner, intermediate, advanced
2. Preference of wheel, handbuilding, or combo* (*wheel would be shared) 
 
Please review our cancellation policy and protocols prior to registration.
 
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out!