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. Potters from around the country join in on the “firing”.

It is a unique 4' X 5' wide X 12' long wood fired kiln.

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.

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.

Wood fire pottery has been around for thousands of years and is highly regarded for the unique color, texture and surface effects from the hot ash interacting with the clay and glaze.

Wood fired pottery is no exact science, as much of the end results are caused by the nature of the firing itself. You will not find the perfect matching set of pottery, however you will get unique, one of a kind pieces of pottery.

In was paid for in part by a grant from Arkansas Department of Heritage.

The Pottery, along with the rest of the working shops, is open mid April through the last weekend in October.

This years Groundhog pottery will be available for sale in April 2024.