FOOD CLAY FIRE
Instructors: Sam Taylor and Mark Shapiro
When: June 12th - 26th
Build and fire Craigardan’s new wood kiln with Sam Taylor and Mark Shapiro.
Join us for two incredible weeks in the Adirondacks with Sam and Mark. This is food, clay, and fire at its very best. Learn about kiln construction and planning; stay in luxury camping accommodations in the heart of New York’s Adirondack wilderness; eat delicious farm food; make pots; and roll up your sleeves to help build the hearth of Craigardan’s new home.
We’ll build community as we build the new wood kiln — arriving as strangers and leaving as family. Bring bisque-ware from home and make a few pots in our studio during the workshop to fire in a ceremonial first firing celebration. You’ll even have time to explore our beautiful region - go for a hike up Hurricane Mountain, or a swim in one of our many local swimming holes!
All food, accommodations, instructions, materials, and equipment included.
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“Together we can do it!" started for Sam Taylor and Mark Shapiro 34 years ago when they built their first wood kiln together at the Stonepool Pottery. They’ve been at it ever since. In 2014 Sam and Mark joined with a group of potters to found POW! (Pottery on Wheels!). In 2019, they launched the Make-In Studio to bring inclusive hands-on engagement to NCECA’s national conference. In their own studio practices, Sam and Mark have been continuously evolving ways of bringing their work into communities, from rural classrooms, to inner city neighborhoods, to art centers and craft schools across the country. They have been frequent exhibitors at every major craft venue in the US and renowned workshop presenters. Many of their favorite experiences involve collaborations together.
Two Full Weeks
Participants arrive on Monday evening to a welcome meal harvested from our own farm and partner farms. We’ll get to know each other and review the workshop plan.
On Tuesday we’ll dive right into kiln construction: talking about design and layout, material selection, and planning. The remainder of week-one we’ll focus on making pots and building the kiln. Once finished, we’ll get ready to load and fire. Everyone will have a role to play, and you are welcome to participate with or without assisting in the physical part of kiln construction. The kiln design is based off of Sam Taylor’s own single-chamber wood kiln.
Each participant must bring their own bisque-ware to be slipped, glazed, wadded, and loaded under the guidance of Mark and Sam.
The all-day firing will culminate in a kiln-side community dinner, curated and prepared by participants with assistance from Craigardan's farm and program staff. Our Adirondack friends and neighbors will join us in celebrating the process and in sharing the feast. While we wait for the kiln to cool, we'll spend two days relaxing and exploring the surrounding towns and wilderness areas. We are surrounded by the best hiking, biking, and swimming around. If you’re interested in something less physical, there are farms, small towns, and markets to explore.
On Sunday we'll unload the kiln, hold collective and individual critiques, and enjoy a closing, celebratory meal as a new clay family.
The Craigardan Experience
This very special two-week workshop focuses attention on community building as we build the new kiln. Participants will quickly create and strengthen their relationship to each other over the harvest, preparation, and enjoyment of many farm-to-fork meals; collaborating on hands-on kiln construction; making pots; and the firing of the new kiln.
The workshop will take place on Craigardan’s new campus site, ⅓ mile into our 320 acre property. The experience will be that of luxury camping. Accommodations are in modern tiny cabins or canvas “glamping” tents with stunning views of the Adirondack mountains. Off-site options are also available. Participants have access to shared kitchen, living, and bathroom structures. The kitchen will be stocked with farm-fresh ingredients for self-serve breakfasts and snacks. Lunches are provided, and all dinners are a part of the shared experience – program participants are encouraged to cook incredible meals together with staff.
Registration and Fees
*For a flexible payment option, you may secure your spot by paying a non-refundable 50% deposit. The balance in full is due by May 31, 2023.
*A limited amount of scholarship funds are available. Please contact program@craigardan.org to inquire.
$1050 Day-Participant Only: includes instruction, all materials and firings, and most meals (lunch and dinner). By selecting this option you either live locally or are staying off-site in a local accommodation.
$1600 In-Residence, Private Canvas Tent: includes instruction, all materials and firings, all meals, and a private “glamping” tent with a twin bed. Located just a short walk from the main site.
$2050 In-Residence, Private Cabin: includes instruction, all materials and firings, all meals, and a private tiny cabin with a twin bed. Cabins are situated on the main campus with gorgeous views, and a short walk from the bathhouse.
All skill levels are welcome, and no kiln building, farming, or culinary experience is necessary. We only require a willingness to be a part of the group experience. You are welcome to participate with – or without – physically contributing to kiln construction. All abilities are welcome.
Each participant may bring up to 8 cubic ft. of bisque ware for the wood/salt kiln firing.
For a flexible payment option, you may secure your spot by paying a non-refundable 50% deposit. The balance in full is due by May 31, 2023.