Mark Möller
The “Ground Hog” Kiln by Mark Möller
The Ozark Folk Center has numerous artisans at work in the craft village in Mountain View, Arkansas throughout the season, April through October. There is, however one special event that stands out among one of the most anticipated and it only occurs every other year. The “Ground Hog” kiln at the OFC was built in 2002 and is similar to kilns used in the 1800's and early 1900’s. It is a unique 4' X 5' wide X 12' long wood fired kiln. Potters from around the country join in on the “firing”.
Filling/prepping the kiln begins months before actually firing up the kiln. The kiln is typically fired for about 27-30 hours using two to three cords of wood.
After the firing process, the kiln is allowed a day or two to cool down before unloading the pottery. Notes are fastidiously documented, noting temperatures, and how packed or separated pottery pieces are placed, the different glazes, etc.
4 November 2023
