Ceramics Studio

The Ceramics Facility is located in TB 9. The 7200-sq. ft. building houses the Ceramic Professor’s studio, three graduate studios, a tech office and tool room, two large undergraduate work spaces, a kiln room, a glaze room, and a library.

The kiln room has seven electric kilns in varying sizes; all have computerized controls except for the two test kilns. There are also three downdraft natural gas-fueled kilns. One is 16 cubic ft., one is 54 cubic ft., and the largest is 120 cubic ft. with two trackless kiln beds. The two largest natural gas kilns have computerized controls for extended firings.

Other important equipment includes a 200-lb. capacity hydraulic extruder, a small wall-mounted, hand-pressed Bailey extruder, and a Bailey slab roller. There are six Lockerbee kick wheels and eight electric Brent wheels. There is a 4000-lb. palette jack, a 600-lb. high/low for kiln loading, and a forklift. There is also a 4000-lb. capacity hydraulic sculpture stand.

Clay is mixed in large batches weekly by students. There are two large-capacity clay mixers, one of which mixes 500 lbs. of dry mix; the other mixes 800 lbs. of dry mix. There is a small Bluebird that mixes 100 lbs. of dry mix, for test batches . We also have a 300-lb. casting slip blunger.

The glaze room is fully equipped with glaze-making materials and includes a spray booth. In the library there is a computer, printer, slides, and many art books. We also have a RISO machine for making silk screens for printing on clay.

The ceramic studio is set up for large-scale work when necessary, with most of the studio furniture, sculpture stands, and tables fixed on wheels for easy moving. Ladders and hand tools are also available for use.

Students are strongly encouraged to become well versed in the safe use of all equipment, and become independent studio artists. To reach the ceramic studio, please call 530-752-0241 or contact the lab technician, Brian Perkins.