With so much change on the horizon, this conference will be a convergence of ideas and thoughts regarding where Woodfire is today and where it’s going. We are calling this year’s conference Envision: 2022, gathering incredible artists from around the world to discuss the future of our practice as wood firing artists. The 2022 conference will kick off May with two pre-conference events in separate locations in NC: preHEAT: Mountain and preHEAT: Seagrove, where local and visiting artists will load and then fire dozens of NC kilns located around the Asheville area and Seagrove. The main conference will begin May 27th at STARworks with topics ranging from kiln design, to group firings as well as community engagement and market presence. STARworks has a café and taproom onsite and will host live music and food trucks throughout the conference. For more information on preHEAT events prior to the conference and any specifics regarding panel discussions, visiting artists, presentations, exhibitions and workshops, click on the links below.
Main Conference May 27—29, 2022
ENVISION: 2022 WOODFIRE CONFERENCE
This is an International Woodfire Conference at STARworks in Star, N.C. and the woodfire potters of North Carolina. The main conference will be preceded by several firing pre-conference workshops across the state in Asheville, and Seagrove North Carolina.
Registration Pricing for Main Conference: $275 or $225 for students
Must present student ID at check-in
During the main conference, a series of panelists, lecturers and demonstrations will explore all aspects of wood firing, beginning with a lively discussion of historical, ethical and environmental issues pertaining to the field. Conference panelists will then examine the foundational role that clay has in our practice, and carefully explore, among other topics, aspects of loading, cooling, color, kiln design and marketing.
Interspersed throughout the proceedings will be plenary lectures and keynote addresses from some of our field’s most noted thinkers. Scheduled to run concurrently to the panel discussions throughout the conference will be artist presentations, demonstrations and films all relating to the art and practice of wood firing.
We are complying with all recommendations from the CDC and the North Carolina Dept. of Health & Human Services. Our current policy is “Masks are required inside the building, except when seated in our Café”. This is subject to change as guidance changes.
Pre-Conferences May 19th-25th and 30th, 2022
The Mountain PreHEAT -May 19th-25th and 30th- A celebration of woodfired ceramics centered around the Asheville area of Western North Carolina. The organizers of the PreHEAT have assembled the region’s top woodfirers and a host of national and international guests for seven days of complete immersion into the exciting world of woodfiring. Join us for an action packed week of programming highlighted by the firing of 5 different wood kilns. Every attendee is guaranteed a total of 5 cubic feet of their own bisque ware spread throughout the various kilns. 2022 preHEAT: Asheville & Western NC
The Seagrove PreHeat - May 21st —May 25th - attendees will have the opportunity to experience ceramic exhibitions, tours, demonstrations, contribute work to wood kiln firings, participate in firing shifts and other special events with over 20 of the Seagrove area's woodfire artists and their guests. Participants can customize their pre-conference schedule based on the firings they decide to contribute work for, so check out the schedule below and make your choices when you register! 2022 preHEAT: Seagrove
Call For Entry: Student Juried Show
The 2022 Woodfire NC conference student juried exhibition is an opportunity to widen the scope of our exhibitions and give all contributors to the wood-fire ceramic community a chance to be celebrated. Entries to this exhibition are now closed. This exhibition will run April 15th, 2022 until the last day of the main conference Sunday, May 30th, 2022.
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