The Will of the Kiln 2025

On view from June 27, 2025 through July 10, 2025.

In collaboration with the New England Wood Firing Conference, Southern Connecticut State University is proud to present The Will of the Kiln 2025, a juried exhibition that showcases the works of wood fire ceramic artists all over the world.

At the heart of this exhibition is the ancient and evolving practice of wood firing. It is a method in which ceramics are placed in a kiln and are fired over several hours or days using wood as its sole fuel source. In contrast to many modern electric and gas kilns, the practice of wood firing often creates dynamic and unpredictable surfaces shaped by flames, ash, and atmosphere.

Being open to a wide variety of clay bodies and creative styles, this exhibition celebrates the diversity and innovation found within the wood firing community. The selected works will range from pit-fired wares to wood-fired sculptures, exemplifying technical mastery and aesthetic experimentation.

Jurors

Hitomi Shibata, a Japanese potter based at Studio Touya in Seagrove, North Carolina
Nozomu Shinohara, a distinguished wood fire potter from Shigaraki, Japan