College Art Department builds wood fire kiln to enrich student experience

(from left) Anoka-Ramsey Community College students Wes Van’t Hull, Alex Bivans and Mike Smieja join guest artist Ted Neal to build a new wood fire kiln at the college.

October 25, 2016

Anoka-Ramsey Community College built a wood fire kiln to provide students with the opportunity to investigate ceramic surfaces produced only through wood firing. The kiln was completed in September and loaded for the first time in mid-October.

Art Faculty Member, Mark Lambert was a driving force behind the project. Below is an interview conducted with Lambert about the kiln.

Why did you want to build the kiln?
“Anoka-Ramsey is known for its ceramics facilities and workshops, this kiln will strengthen our ability to provide a rich ceramic education.”

How is the wood fire process unique?
“The vapor and ash from the wood fly through the kiln and land on the pots. When the ash is hot enough it will flux with the silica and alumina in the clay to form a natural glaze. In this way, the kiln provides opportunities for continued research of natural ash glazes.”

Will the kiln offer any other benefits to students?
“Wood firing is a labor-intensive process. Wood needs to be cut and stacked, pots need to be wadded and loaded, cone packs need to be made, the door needs to be bricked up and someone needs to tend the kiln during the entire firing process, which takes at least 24 hours. Students will need to work together and depend on each other in order to be successful. This is a great exercise in team work and dependability.”

Does the college have other kilns?
“Anoka-Ramsey also has a soda kiln, gas reduction, raku and two electric kilns.”

Anoka-Ramsey’s Art Department provides an opportunity to explore a variety of arts media by offering introductory studio courses in drawing, ceramics, glass, digital media, painting, photography and sculpture.

Attendance suggests that students are taking advantage of art classes. Art class enrollment has increased by 8.3% in the last 10 years and, as of the 30^th day of classes in fall semester 2016:

• 655 students were enrolled in Art courses
• 39 students were enrolled in the Associate in Arts with Arts emphasis degree
• 70 students were enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Art degree

For more information about the Anoka-Ramsey Art Department and upcoming projects visit:

AnokaRamsey.edu/academics/departments-faculty/art/