Our anagama kiln has served the Oakland ceramics community for six years. After 200+ firings, it needs a full rebuild — new bricks, new arch, new chimney. We're raising $12,000 to make it happen.
An anagama kiln isn't just equipment — it's a shared ritual. When we fire, the entire community comes together. Potters from across the East Bay bring their work. We take turns feeding the firebox in shifts around the clock for 48 hours. Someone always brings soup at 3am.
The kiln was built by hand in 2019 by a group of twelve ceramicists. Over six years and more than 200 firings, the interior bricks have crumbled, the arch has shifted, and the chimney draw isn't what it used to be. Each firing pushes it a little further past its limits.
A full rebuild means new firebricks for the interior, a redesigned arch with better airflow, and a taller chimney for improved draw. It also means another six years (at least) of community firings, workshops for beginners, and that particular magic that only happens when you let fire and ash do the glazing.
Every dollar goes directly to materials and labor. We're doing the work ourselves — we just need the bricks.
Donations are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, Oakland Arts Alliance. You'll receive a receipt by email.
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