Atmospheric Firing

a person dressed in fireproof suit tends a brick kiln with flames shooting out

Spring 2026
Dates: January 29 - April 16, 2026 (12 classes with 14 weeks of studio access)
Day/Time: Thursdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Tom Hubbard & Adriana Sousa Estrella

In this course for Intermediate-Advanced students, explore different kiln atmospheres while learning about the history, artistry and processes behind saggar, soda and wood firing. Learn about forms and materials that invite beautiful results in these specific atmospheres, prepare work using studio slips and glazes, and participate in loading and firing different kilns. Students are welcome to work either on the wheel or by hand. Class time will include short lectures, demonstrations, and ample studio time with support from instructors. Throughout the semester, students will participate in two saggar firings and one soda firing. The class will then close with one wood firing at Canton Clay Works in Canton, Connecticut. The dates for the woodfire will be March 24th – 29th with an unload on April 4th. $135.00 firing fee for the wood kiln has been added to the lab fee for this class; this guarantees 1,500 cubic inches per student in the wood firing. If needed, additional space in the wood kiln can be purchased directly from Canton Clay Works. Those interested only in soda firing should sign up for a supervised firing once the semester begins.

Note: This is an Intermediate-Advanced class. Please carefully review our definitions of experience levels for courses to ensure that you are qualified to take the course. We reserve the right to drop participants who have registered for courses they do not have the skills to meaningfully participate in.

The registration lottery for Spring 2026 Ceramics Courses will be open from November 17 at 10:00am to November 20 at 4:00pm. Visit our Registration Policies page for complete dates and instructions on how to register.

Materials List

Basic Pottery Tool Kit
Apron
Small Towel
Notebook/Sketchbook

All registered students will receive an email confirmation with the class syllabus one week before the start date.

Tool Purchases:
Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You may also consider ordering from a local supplier (Sheffield Pottery, Amherst Pottery Supply or Portland Pottery). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

Cost:

Course Fees: $285 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $690 for Harvard Graduate Students; $1,305 for Adult Community Members; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow the instructions in the online registration system for pricing.
Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, and high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing up to 8,600 cubic inches of kiln space, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through May 1, 2026.

User types:

Adult Community: 18+; General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, Extension School students, and faculty/staff who are not TAP-eligible; students from universities other than Harvard.
Harvard Employees eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP regular (employees worked less than 15 years) and TAP long service (employees who worked 15 or more years at Harvard).
Harvard College Undergraduate Students: Currently enrolled students at Harvard College. This does not include Harvard Extension School Undergraduate Students. You must register with your Harvard email – we can arrange for an alternative email to be used for class after registration is complete.
Harvard Graduate Students: Currently enrolled students in a Harvard University Graduate Program. This does not include Harvard Extension School Graduate Students.

Questions?

For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, Kathy King.
For questions regarding registration or purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson.