Most of the ceramics workshops at Snow Farm don’t allow enough time to safely dry artwork so that it can be bisque fired. Bisque firing is the first firing, where the clay becomes partially vitrified in preparation for the application of glaze. Bisque fired pottery will be more durable than unfired dry clay, but still unsafe to use for food. Our workshops sometimes feature glaze firing, so please consider returning to Snow Farm to participate in one of our finish-firing focused workshops such as Alternative Firings and Painting with Fire.
Unless a bisque or glaze firing is outlined in the workshop description, there will be no in-session firing. We do offer Post-Workshop Bisque Firing at no additional cost.
Here’s how Post-Workshop Bisque Firing at Snow Farm works:
- On the last day, the instructor will approve the work to be left behind for firing.
- Each participant is limited to 10 objects, fitting within 12 x 12 x 8 inches of space.
- Typically, we bisque fire every 4 weeks so the kiln will be filled to capacity and to give the student work time to reach the bone dry stage before firing.
- After the firing, a Snow Farm staff member will be in touch to arrange pick-up or shipping of your work.
- Shipping is by UPS or USPS for an additional fee, usually not more than $15. We always include tracking information sent via email after you pay for shipping.
- Snow Farm staff will carefully handle, fire, and pack the work with care, but cannot be held responsible for damages during firing or shipping.
We’ve also added two community glaze days this year, an affordable one day workshop for students to complete their bisque fired items with a glaze firing:
- Spring Community Glaze Day: June 24th, 2025
- Fall Community Glaze Day: October 21st, 2025
Each workshop page in our online catalog includes a note about the firing options.
