Description
The kiln certification process at Radius Art Studio is an essential initiative designed to ensure safety, protect equipment, and empower members. It educates participants in safe kiln operation, mitigating risks and promoting a secure studio environment. This certification also focuses on the careful handling and maintenance of the kilns, safeguarding these valuable assets against misuse and damage. It also empowers our artists by imparting comprehensive knowledge about the firing process, granting them the flexibility and autonomy to creatively control the firing of their work.
This includes four hours of training; One two-hour workshop plus two hours of one on one kiln loading assistance (bisque & glaze.)
Reviewing this training packet before class will help with getting familiar with the information shared during class and contains everything you need to know before your kiln certification quiz to pass with flying colors.
Kiln Certification Steps
Step one: Training Class Attendance
-Members must register and attend one of the 2-hour training classes, generally held monthly.
-This hands-on training class includes information on loading bisque and glaze kilns, dos and don’ts of firing, and a loading and firing rules sheet for study.
Step Two: Written Test
-Members will take a short written test.
The test is conducted in person at the studio, without notes, and includes multiple-choice, situational, and short answer questions.
-Retake Policy: If members do not pass the written test, they must wait one week to retake the written test (free of charge). On a case-by-case basis attending the training class again may be required (free of charge).
Step Three: Practical Tests
-Bisque and Glaze Kiln Loading of personal work, with supervision and additional situational questions.
-Members will book and load a bisque kiln to fire their personal work, demonstrating full understanding without assistance. Then repeat the process and book a glaze kiln for their work, demonstrating full understanding without assistance.
-To schedule a time for these supervised practical test firings, email radiusartstudio@nullgmail.com when your work is ready to fire (bone dry or fully glazed). We will work with you to schedule a date, depending on the kiln techs’ availability.
-Each practical test is already included in the cost of this workshop and is valued at $25 each. Practical tests can be retaken as needed, at the same cost per test, until the member is cleared for firing by the kiln technician.
-Booking of kiln is an additional fee, dependent on the size of the kiln you choose to book. Anita Baker and Val Kilner are Skutt 1027 kilns with a capacity of approximately 6.4 cubic feet each. Little Smokey is a Skutt 818 kiln with a capacity of approximately 2.6 cubic feet.
Need to repeat a Step? No problem!
-Training Class: After initial participation, members may sit in on additional training workshops for free, either to prepare for the written test or to brush up on skills. Please note that these workshops will only be run as needed, determined by registration of first-time participants.
-Written Test: This test can be repeated as many times as needed, free of charge.
-Practical tests: Can be repeated as many times as needed or as required, at $25 per test (does not include kiln booking). Booking is dependent on our kiln technician’s schedule.
AFTER completing all steps successfully, kiln-certified members can reserve kilns here:
Step # 1 Pick the date and time desired for your firing:
Step # 2 Choose an available kiln and proceed to checkout: