Wood Kiln Firing Workshop
with Kyle Brumsted
September 1 - 8, 2025
Join us for a week-long workshop in the Adirondacks to gain hands-on experience learning about the exciting process of wood firing. Craigardan’s interdisciplinary, community-focused programming combines the creative process and experiential learning with a stunning wilderness setting, incredible food from our farm, and exceptional creative support.
This workshop is intended for ceramic artists of all levels who are interested in learning more about atmospheric firing. Participants will spend the week at the beautiful Craigardan campus, glazing, loading and firing our wood/salt kiln as a group, with instruction and feedback from Kyle at each step along the way. While the kiln cools, there will be time for group outings to hike and swim, and demonstrations in the ceramic studio. Everyone will be required to bring 2-3 cubic feet of high fire bisqueware, but no prior wood firing knowledge is necessary. Join potter and educator Kyle Brumsted for a hands-on week of wood firing. This experience will include:
• A luxury camping stay in the heart of the Adirondack’s high peaks
• Fresh, seasonal, organic food from our farm and partner farms
• Instruction and hands-on experience in every part of the glazing, loading and firing process
• Excursions to local hiking and swimming destinations
Registration and Fees
ALL INCLUSIVE. The program fee is all-inclusive except for transportation to the Adirondacks.
Program Fees. Fees include accommodations, food, materials, and the program + curriculum for the week for each participant.
$850 Day-Participant Only: Six Days / includes full program experience and two communal dinners. Other meals not included.
$1300 On-campus tent camping: Six days, Seven nights / includes full program experience, dispersed camping with your own gear on site, access to bath house, and all food.
$1850 In-residence Cabin: Six Days, Seven nights / includes full program experience, private accommodations in a cabin, and all food. Only six cabins are available.
There are a limited number of need-based scholarships available, please inquire by emailing: program@craigardan.org
To Register. Space is limited. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your spot, with the balance due in full by July 1st, 2025.
Cancellation Policy. The deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel after the balance is paid in full, you will receive a refund only if we are able to fill your spot. We reserve the right to cancel the retreat up 1 month prior to its scheduled start due to unforeseen circumstances. Under no circumstances will refunds for travel expenses be made.
Your Guides - The magic is in the people
Kyle Brumsted. (he, him) Kyle is a Brooklyn based artist originally from Ithaca, NY. He has worked as an apprentice, technician, teacher, and resident artist at studios throughout the U.S. and Canada. After completing an apprenticeship at Atelier Spirale in Montreal and an internship at Baltimore Clayworks, Kyle was awarded the 2018 Teaching Fellowship at Craigardan, where he spent the year as a resident artist. Since then, Kyle has gone on to teach at many ceramic studios including The East Side Pot Shop and The Contemporary Austin, where he also worked as the salt kiln technician. Currently, Kyle is an instructor at BKLYN Clay and Greenwich House Pottery, and a fabricator at KWH Furniture.
Among many other things, Kyle is interested in making finely crafted functional pots, building community through the joy of collective making and knowledge-sharing, and firing atmospheric kilns. He has returned to Craigardan for several short term residencies, including to assist with the construction of the new wood kiln.
Michele Drozd. (she, her) Michele is the co-founder and executive director of Craigardan. She has a BFA in Ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) at Alfred University, and worked under Petras Vaskys, Laszlo Fekete and Marie Baron studying design, mold making, tile, and sculpture. After traveling the world and finding her home in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, she became intensely interested in art and entrepreneurialism, the revitalization of small rural towns, food and agriculture, conservation and historic preservation - and the connections between them. Since 2002 she has worked within these fields in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Her belief that the creative process helps us imagine and build a better world has led to numerous community and social justice initiatives that use cross-disciplinary collaboration as a tool for systems change.
Jeremiah Reiner. (he, him) Jeremiah is Craigardan’s program coordinator. Jeremiah provides ongoing support and radical hospitality to all of Craigardan’s program participants. He has a background in photography and mental health and brings those creative and supportive skills to his work here.
Cassidy Mae Jackson. (they, them) Cassidy is Craigardan’s administrative coordinator. In addition to ensuring that the work of the organization runs smoothly, they also manage our small but mighty farm store. Cassidy will be sourcing all off-farm ingredients from our partner farms and providers. Cassidy has a background in the arts and arts administration.