OFCSP Wood Firing Workshop Offers Unique Ozark Pottery Experience –
Mountain View, Arkansas – – Potters can now register for the Groundhog Kiln Workshop at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, March 30 through April 2. Regular Craft Village Admission applies to the Kiln Opening party on Saturday, April 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., visitors are invited to attend.
Pottery was an integral part in the lives of people who grew up in Arkansas in the early part of this century. Although there are records of only about 30 working potteries in Arkansas before 1945, virtually every home had a piece of crockery. Butter was made in a churn, food from the garden was stored in a crock, water from the spring was carried in a jug, and biscuits were mixed in a stoneware bowl.
“Today, a beautiful piece of stoneware is more likely to be the focus of our kitchen, or a lovely display in the dining room,” said Jeanette Larson, Craft Director at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. “Modern pottery is beautiful, but there is an unusual feel to wood-fired pottery that you rarely find in this world of electricity. The fire creates unique colors, variations and textures. Watching the new pots come out of the ground hog kiln is like seeing art being born.”
The groundhog kiln at the Ozark Folk Center was built in 2002 by Ozark Folk Center resident potters John Perry and Judi Munn with assistance of University of Alabama ceramics professor, Lowell Baker and many volunteer helpers. It was funded in part by an Arkansas Heritage grant. The groundhog kiln was the most popular style of kiln used by Arkansas Folk Potters in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Virtually every piece of stoneware made in this state during that time was heated in these wood-burning ovens.
For information about this workshop or other workshops offered go to www.OzarkFolkCenter.com. Or call 870-269-3851.
The mission of Ozark Folk Center State Park is to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner; through craft demonstrations, musical programs, the Heritage Herb Garden, workshops and other special events
