Learn and participate in an ancient form of firing pottery that uses natural materials and requires no gas or electricity during this two-day program.

You choose a small pre-made (bisque) clay vessel to decorate with different colorants, as well as learn the process of burnishing surfaces on some leather hard clay. After filling the earth pit with various natural combustibles and the pots, we begin the firing process. Typically this lasts a few hours, then the pit is covered and left overnight. In the evening, all participants share a group dinner followed by a short presentation on the history of pit firing, particularly its significance in indigenous communities of the Southwest.

You may camp or book a guest room to stay overnight, with a nature hike and then brunch in our café the next morning. During the hike you can collect a burnishing stone to take with you for future work. By afternoon, the pit should be cool enough to unload and we can talk about ways to finish the pieces with waxing or just leave them as-is.

Take Home

You’ll be able to take home your decorated, burnished, and fired vessel with you.

In this hands-on experience, you will learn the unique silt-cast bell-making process developed by The Cosanti Foundation and used every day by the artisans of Cosanti Originals to make our world-famous ceramic windbells. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to cast and carve your own one-of-a-kind ceramic bell. This process involves using clay and dirt to create your bell, so come prepared to get your hands dirty.

Fall 2024 Dates

Saturday, October 19th
Saturday, October 26th
Saturday, November 23rd
Saturday, November 30th

If a class lists “out of stock” when trying to purchase, then the class is full. Please check back regularly for openings from cancellations and new dates.