This workshop is open to potters, handbuilders, and sculptors alike who are interested in cone 6 reduction or who just want to experience a different palette and atmosphere to fire their work in. Some basic glaze chemistry will be discussed as well as some different approaches and techniques for glaze application. Students should bring 20+ pieces of bisqueware (with an average size of 6”x6”x6”) made from cone 6 appropriate clays. Students are encouraged to test any cone 6 or higher temp glazes, and there will be generous room for test tiles throughout the kiln (test tiles no larger than 2”x2”x2”). We will begin with some glazing approaches and techniques, load and fire the gas kiln and unload and discuss our results and other options.
Ronan Kyle Peterson grew up in Poplar, NC, a small community deep in the mountains of western North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and in 1996 received a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Anthropology, with a minor in Folklore. His interest in Folklore led him to John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, where he began taking classes in ceramics and other media. After working for two years with two potters in the area of Asheville, NC, he attended Penland School of Crafts. Initially, he intended to stay for a two month Concentration in Wood and Soda Fired Pottery with MacKenzie Smith, but two months turned into four years. After Concentration, Ronan applied for and was accepted into the Core Student program. During the two year intensive work exchange program, Ronan had the opportunity to study with a number of internationally known artists and craftspeople. Currently, he has a ceramics studio in Chapel Hill, NC, and teaches ceramics classes at Claymakers in Durham, NC, and Pullen Arts Center in Raleigh, NC. Ronan's ceramic objects have shown in local and national exhibitions.

http://ninetoespottery.blogspot.com

If you have a copy of the book, bring it—and by all means highlight your favorite passages—or copies will be available for purchase on the first day of class.

Mara Eve Robbins is an award winning writer who specializes in poetry but appreciates and creates all forms of literary expression. A graduate in creative writing from Hollins University, she has been active in the literary arts in Floyd County since she was a teenager and facilitates writer’s groups and spoken word events. Mara believes that we all have a voice that can be translated onto the page, and advocates joy in writing for all ages—it is never too early or too late. She is committed to furthering appreciation of both the written and the spoken word within her immediate and greater community, and firmly believes that knowing and telling your story makes a profound difference in your life and the lives of those you share it with.

Situated in Floyd, VA in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Spikenard Farms Honeybee Sanctuary aims to restore the health and vitality of the honeybee worldwide. Since founding Spikenard Farm in 2006, Gunther Hauk and his wife Vivian have been actively spreading their vision of sustainable biodynamic beekeeping. The Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary provides on-site workshops, lectures, consulting and publications. This work is possible through the support of many foundations and individuals around the country.

Gunther Hauk has been an educator, biodynamic gardener/farmer and beekeeper for nearly four decades. In 1996 he co-founded the Pfeiffer Center and built up one of the first biodynamic training programs in the US. Since that time he has been lecturing and giving workshops on biodynamic / sustainable beekeeping methods. His book "Toward Saving the Honeybee" was first published in 2002. Together with Vivian he co-founded Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary in 2006.

Vivian Struve-Hauk is an educator, therapist, gardener, photographer, beekeeper and co-teaches with Gunther at the Sanctuary. Her artistic sense and healing capacities find expression in the order and beauty developed in the sanctuary.

Spikenard Farms has appeared in several films about honey bees, which can be found on their homepage.

http://www.spikenardfarm.org/