Firing Up: Kiln Conversion and Soda Firing

Firing Up Kiln Conversion and Soda Firing 2

Description

Firing Up: Kiln Conversion and Soda Firing with Adam Nielsen
The fundamentals of kiln conversion and soda firing

October 1, 2025, 10AM – 4PM | October 2, 2025, 10AM – 4PM | Kiln Yard

This two-day, hands-on workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn the fundamentals of kiln conversion and soda firing with Iowa-based ceramic artist Adam Nielsen. Participants will assist in converting an old electric kiln into a functioning gas-fired soda kiln, and then fire the kiln together as a group on the second day. The converted kiln will remain in use at the Sedona Arts Center for future soda firings.

Handouts will be provided to guide participants in converting their own kilns at home—making this workshop a great opportunity for anyone interested in expanding their firing possibilities.

What You’ll Learn:

Understand the basics of converting an electric kiln to gas
Identify materials, burners, and safety considerations for kiln modification
Participate in loading and firing a soda kiln
Learn soda introduction methods and firing schedules
Receive a detailed handout for future kiln conversion projects

Class Details:

Limited Enrollment: 10 participants ensures active participation and plenty of direct instruction.
All Levels Welcome: This workshop is accessible to anyone with some ceramics experience and an interest in firing processes.
Hands-On Learning: Participants will assist in kiln conversion and firing to build real-world skills.

Class Outline Day 1:

Overview of kiln anatomy and conversion options
Tools and materials for conversion
Step-by-step demonstration and participation in the conversion process
Safety protocols for gas kilns

Class Outline Day 2:

Preparing bisqueware for soda firing
Loading the kiln and bricking the door
Firing schedule, soda application, and group participation

Note: The kiln will be unloaded two days after the workshop. Participants may return to pick up their work or arrange for shipping.

Materials: All materials for the kiln conversion are provided. Participants must bring their own bisqueware (up to 1 cubic foot per person).

Age Requirement: Ceramic workshops are designed for persons aged 18 and over, or with instructor approval.

25 1001w AN

Adam Nielsen

In 2011, Adam attended the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference, where a panel discussion on converting electric kilns to gas sparked a new direction in his work. After a multi-year hiatus from ceramics, he returned with renewed focus, converting his first electric kiln to gas and experimenting primarily with shino glazes.

In 2018, Adam held his first solo exhibition at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, showcasing work fired in his converted kilns. Two years later, in 2020, he rebuilt his kiln and began refining his firing techniques.

In 2023, Adam collaborated with fellow ceramic artist Ben Roti on a joint exhibition in Okoboji. The partnership included travel between studios and the conversion of another electric kiln. Together, they explored both cone 10 soda and cone 3 soda firings, resulting in a dynamic and varied body of collaborative work.

Adam’s ceramics practice is rooted in experimentation, transformation, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of atmospheric firing.

What to Bring:

All materials for the kiln conversion are provided.
Participants must bring their own bisqueware (up to 1 cubic foot per person).

Cancellation Policy

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Registration

Each student must enroll individually.
Classes must be paid in full upon registration.
Students may register online or call Sedona Arts Center Office at 928-282-3809, Ext 1 or toll free at 866-282-3809 Ext 1.
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are accepted or student may pay with cash or check by registering in person during office hours Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

In-Person and Online Classes Cancellation

Payment in full is due upon registration, or a payment plan can be put in place by the student upon check-out through Sezzle.
There is a $125 Cancellation Fee for any cancellations made before September 1, 2025. Remaining balance will be refunded.
There are no refunds after September 1, 2025.
If Sedona Arts Center cancels the workshop for any reason, all payments made will be refunded in full.

Note:If traveling to Sedona, we strongly urge students to purchase refundable airline tickets or travel insurance in case of workshop cancellation due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen changes. Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for non-refundable ticket purchases or lodging fees.

Important Message

Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for providing make-up sessions or issuing refunds, credits, or transfers for courses missed as a result of illness, emergencies, or other events beyond our control. There are absolutely no refunds after the cut-off date for any reason, unless Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the workshop, then all fees paid will be refunded in full.

Instructor Information

Adam Nielsen

Adam Nielsen, a ceramic artist based in Okoboji, Iowa, began his journey in ceramics in 2006. In 2008, he enrolled at Kirkwood Community College, where he first explored raku firing during his initial semesters. His growing passion for ceramics led him to work extensively with wood kilns, deepening his understanding of atmospheric firings. In 2011, Adam attended the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference, where a panel discussion on converting electric kilns to gas sparked a new direction in his work. After a multi-year hiatus from ceramics, he returned with renewed focus, converting his first electric kiln to gas and experimenting primarily with shino glazes. In 2018, Adam held his first solo exhibition at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, showcasing work fired in his converted kilns. Two years later, in 2020, he rebuilt his kiln and began refining his firing techniques. In 2023, Adam collaborated with fellow ceramic artist Ben Roti on a joint exhibition in Okoboji. The partnership included travel between studios and the conversion of another electric kiln. Together, they explored both cone 10 soda and cone 3 soda firings, resulting in a dynamic and varied body of collaborative work. Adam’s ceramics practice is rooted in experimentation, transformation, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of atmospheric firing.

$400.00

Available