Through live demonstrations and guided discussion, participants will learn best practices for using and maintaining kiln furniture, loading greenware and glazed ware efficiently and safely, and reading visual cues that signal what’s happening inside your kiln during use. Anika will also walk through when and how to change a thermocouple, and open up the kiln control box to explain key components and what they do.

Participants will receive practical take-home resources, including kiln record templates, sample kiln programs, and guidance on how to effectively use Skutt Technical Services as a troubleshooting and learning tool.

This workshop is ideal for studio members, home kiln owners, and anyone looking to deepen their technical confidence around kilns—whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your understanding.

✨ Build confidence in kiln operation and care
✨ Learn preventative maintenance to avoid costly mistakes
✨ Leave with tools you can use immediately in your own studio

All Levels Welcome! You must be 15+ years of age to participate.

About the Instructor:

Anika Major is the studio manager at Rain City Clay. She is a Texas-born ceramic artist, and graduated from the University of North Texas, receiving her BFA in ceramics and painting. She moved to Seattle in 2018, and has been teaching a variety of clay classes and managing operations at Rain City Clay. Anika maintains a full-time studio practice in Georgetown, where she creates functional pottery that blends her passions for clay and figure painting. She has been experimenting with soda firing at Rat City Studios within the last year, and enjoys gardening and quilting in her downtime!

Prepare for Class

• Full information on how to prepare for classes is available on our Clay Q&A Platform (Links below).

• Tools: Suggested tools are in the image on this class page.

• Special Materials:

• Studio Access: Workshops do not come with studio access outside the workshop time period.

• FAQ’s about classes:

RCC Communication Platform

• Join Clay Q&A Here.

• Our studio communication platform, The Clay Q&A “Space”, is hosted on the Mighty Networks App.

• Participation is required to take classes at RCC or have a membership at RCS.

• Clay Q&A is essential to participants. It is where participants may:

  • Buy Clay

  • Schedule practice time

  • Learn about kiln deadlines/ kiln unloadings

  • Hear studio news & events

• Learn more/ download the More about the Mighty Networks App, or text the Mighty Network App to your Phone.
  
  This app can be used on a desktop or mobile device. This app is essential for purchasing clay during the session, scheduling practice hours, and keeping up to date with studio deadlines for kilns and finishing your art projects at RCC.

RCC Clay Participation Opportunities

Read our registration policies, refunds, and other conditions before registering.
Clay classes require some physical strength. Consider a one-time event if you are uncertain of your ability to participate.

• Scholarships for session classes

• FAQ’s for Classes at RCC (Learn More)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made via email to info@raincityclay.com
If you want to cancel your class, you may request a refund based on the bullet points below. Then you may rebook yourself for a class that fits better into your schedule.

Last-minute cancellations in classes are difficult to fill - please double-check your schedule before committing to an event. Refunds take several business days to process from the date we receive the email request.

• 100% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student elects to drop a class no later than 10 days before the day of the first class meeting.

• 80% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 7 days before the first class meeting.

• 50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 3 days before the first class meeting.

• 0% of tuition is refunded if cancellation is made within two days of class for any reason except for documented medical emergencies. (providing a doctor's note). There are no other exceptions to this policy.

• After this period, if a student elects to drop a class or transfer, tuition will NOT be refunded for any reason except for documented medical emergencies. (providing a doctor's note). There are no other exceptions to this policy.

• No refunds or credit will be given for missed classes. Students currently enrolled in 10-week classes may practice during open studio time to build skills even if a class is missed. One-day clay events and lessons do not come with open studio time.

• We reserve the right to cancel a class or workshop up to 3 days in advance of the first class due to insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled, you will be offered the option of another class or a full refund.

• For some reason, should the studio have an unforeseen need to reschedule the class, you will be notified and given the option to take a class at a later date or receive a refund. Examples of these include power outage, covid flare up, or force majeure.

A minimum of 9 participants is required to run the class. If a class does not meet this, we will give advanced notice about any cancellations and a refund will be issued.