We understand that, for new potters—especially those working out of home studios—and for students looking to transition to a more independent mode of production, firing your work can be a major stumbling block.
However, Pittsburgh has a thriving network of studios and artists who offer firing services to those in need. Below, you’ll find a list of studios in the Pittsburgh area that offer a variety firing services (gas, electric, raku, wood) as well as a few other pertinent resources for artists looking to rent kiln space.
The Union Project offers classes, memberships, studio access, and firing services.
Our on-site kilns include:
- 1 Bailey 12 cu ft Gas Kiln
- 1 Laguna Raku Kiln
- 1 Soda Kiln
- 3 9.9 cu ft Skutt Electric Kilns
- 1 5.25 cu ft Amaco/Excel Electric Kiln
- Kiln Rental: We have four types of kiln: Raku, soda, electric, and high fire gas reduction. Our soda kiln was designed and built by Ted Neal. We offer kiln rental for any of our kilns (Raku, soda, electric, and gas) to people outside of our members. Artists can drop off work created outside UP studios to have it fired.
Kiln rentals must be scheduled in advance. Kiln rentals include access to our Cone 6 studio glazes. For more information, contact maddie@unionproject.org
Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media
PCA&M (Pittsburgh Center for Art and Media) also offers classes, memberships, studio access, and firing services. They are an Arts nonprofit and more information about their organization can be found on their website
“Our 3000 square foot ceramics studio is open 7 days a week for member access. The studio is equipped with 14 wheels, individual storage space for each artist, work tables, a glaze room, and three electric kilns. We also have a kiln shed which holds an atmospheric firing soda kiln and a high-fire, down draft, gas kiln. We sell Standard brand clay on site and firing costs are included with clay purchases. Studio staff handle all firings. Membership is offered on two levels after one has successfully completed classes with us. There may be a waitlist for membership.”
Please contact our Ceramics Studio Coordinator, Audra Clayton at aclayton@pghartsmedia.org or 412-361-0455 x 3 to begin the process of becoming an access member or for more information.”
The owner, Blake Anthony, repairs kilns, is a potter, has a gallery, and offers classes and firing services. You can rent a whole 1227 kiln and fire to cone 6 for $80. You can contact him at pittsburghpottery@gmail.com.
Touchstone is a craft center about 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. They offer wood fire workshops where you bring pottery and participate in all aspects of the firing. Click the link above for more information.
Kilnshare is a website where anyone can advertise their kiln firing services. It is global, so wherever you are, you can search for firing services near you. You can also list your kiln here if you wish to offer firing services. There are several kilns listed in the Pittsburgh area.
Setting Up Your Own Studio:
The most effective method of consistently firing your work (if potentially the most difficult to achieve) is setting up your own studio space. Consider some of the pros, cons and expenses: Read More