Oct. 19

6th Annual Fire Fest

Date
October 19, 2019
Time
6 PM – 10 PM
Location
Baltimore Clayworks
5706 Smith Ave, Baltimore, MD
Cost
$25-$40

  6th Annual Fire Fest at Baltimore Clayworks Ignites Unique Celebration of Ceramic Arts

Baltimore, Aug. 16, 2019 – Baltimore Clayworks’ 6th Annual Fire Fest on Sat., Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. is an evening of fiery celebrations. The event takes place at 5706 Smith Ave. and will feature a “Clay Olympics,” live music, food, drinks, and live kiln firings. “Fire Fest is an exciting celebration of fire—one of a ceramic artist’s most important tools,” said Cyndi Wish, Executive Director Clayworks. “Fire is essential to create ceramic wares and can be both seductive and dangerous.” Artist Lars Westby will lead live Raku kiln firings, and CCBC Essex Professor Trisha Kyner will lead her students in a live Obvara kiln firing. Both of these ceramic firing processes are thrilling and involve pulling a piece of clay from a 1650°F kiln, and then cooling it rapidly. Baltimore Clayworks Noborigama kiln will also be firing during Fire Fest. Clayworks’ Woodkiln Technician Jeremy Wallace will lead students from Towson University, CCBC Essex, Morgan State University, and MICA through a full two-day firing process. “During this time, the kiln requires a continuous supply of wood fed into it. The ash from the wood coats the work in the kiln and creates wonderful, rich glaze effects. Once the kiln reaches the desired temperature of 2300°F, the firing ends and the kiln is left to cool for a week,” noted Wish. Fire Fest will also feature live music by The Wedge, fiery foods, local beers, and a Clay Olympics where attendees are invited to take part in multiple competitions that will test their clay skills. Winners will earn a ceramic award, handmade by artist and Towson ceramics professor Rich Holt. Tickets are $25 for “Friends of Clayworks” members, $35 for non-members, and $40 at the door, or available online at baltimoreclayworks.org, by phone at 410.578.1919, or in person. Proceeds from the event will ensure the continuation of the artistic and educational programs housed both at Clayworks’ Mt. Washington studio and gallery, and in locations around Baltimore City through their Community Arts program. “We hope many will come out to enjoy a unique and fun-filled evening with friends and family while making a difference by supporting clay artists of all ages and abilities across the Baltimore region,” added Wish.

About Baltimore Clayworks

Baltimore Clayworks is a unique, vibrant, community-centered ceramics institution. The organization was founded by nine artists in 1980 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Clayworks is known for its attentiveness to its city and has earned a national and international reputation for artistic excellence, artists’ support, and community involvement. Clayworks’ provides affordable studio space, equipment, and professional opportunities; offers hands- on studio classes for children and adults; presents exhibitions curated or juried by the best professional artists in the field of ceramics; and has a dedicated community arts program that partners with local community organizations to bring art experiences into the lives of at-risk children and marginalized adults. Through a renowned long-term residency program, Baltimore Clayworks brings exceptional ceramic artists to Baltimore for a period of 1-3 years. www.baltimoreclayworks.org