The 2024 Southwest Kiln Conference will be held on September 27 – 29, 2024 at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colorado. Register for the conference here
We’re looking forward to seeing you in Cortez, CO!
Friday, September 27
9:00 – 11:00 Check-in – Lodge Patio
All registered attendees can check-in and collect their conference packet including t-shirts. Those who have paid to have pottery fired at the conference can also check-in and drop off their pots. All pottery for the trench and surface firings must be checked in before 3:00PM. If you arrive after 11:00, the check-in table will reopen throughout the day.
- Pottery Check-in: registered attendees who have paid to include creations in the firings must check in their pottery. Please limit yourself to no more than two small (mug-sized) pots or one medium (10” diameter) pot. Pots that are too large or are not safe to be in the firing will be excluded and returned to the potter. Firings always include a level of risk and conference organizers cannot ensure that your submitted creation will be undamaged or yield the results you are hoping for.
10:00 – 1:00 Welcome, Talks, & Discussion – Gates Building – Mesa Verde Room
- “Origins of the Southwest Kiln Conference” – Paul Ermigiotti – A reflection on the first Kiln Conference gatherings at Crow Canyon and the goal of returning to a spirit of exploration and discovery.
- “Guest Artist Presentation” – Bobby Silas – A lot of Bobby’s ceramic work is intent on reviving Sikyatki pottery from 1100 to 1600 using local clay, tools and variations of the ancient designs. He is an artist who is drawn to the past and is excited to share the story of his journey as potter.
- Through a Replicator’s Eyes – Are We Overlooking Something? Reviewing the Literature of Northern San Juan Kiln Construction and Our Modern Firing Procedures – Cherylene Caver
Since 2011 I have stuck my head in the fire, the artist driven replicator, ecstatic to see a beautiful Black-on-White vessel occasionally appear. But the scientist, who is always pushing for authenticity of the craft, perceives gaps of understanding in the where and how of the sub-rectangular/rectangular late PII to PIII kiln construction as well as the current accepted firing procedures. Reviewing the published and gray literature, as well as personal communications with “the kiln hunter” and tracking wild kilns myself, this discussion will search for patterns and dig for details that may have been overlooked.
1:00 – 3:00 Demonstrations – Gates Building – East Patio
Come observe a variety of potters, painters, and tool-makers ply their craft.
1:00 – 3:00 Experimental Trench Kiln Firing – Kiln yard located north of the campus just across Road K
Observe as Cherylene Caver and Paul Ermigiotti fire a small trench kiln to explore the use of mineral paints in pre-contact pottery decor. Kiln opening and results discussed on Saturday.
1:00 – 3:00 Crow Canyon Campus Tours
Join Crow Canyon staff for a tour of the campus including visits to their replicas of a pithouse and a Pueblo II dwelling. Sign up to join one of the 45 minute tours during check-in. Space is limited.
4:00 Tile Painting Activity – Gates Building – East Patio
Try your hand at painting a prepared tile with a geometric pattern or other design. Tiles will be included in Saturday’s trench firing and will be available for pick-up on Sunday morning after the kiln is excavated. Sign up to participate during check-in. Space is limited.
Saturday, September 28
7:00 – 11:30 Kiln Firings – Kiln yard located north of the campus just across Road K
Observe the trench-firing process and a variety of surface-firings. All checked-in pottery destined for the firings will be moved by conference volunteers.
1:00 – 4:30 Open Market – Gates Building – East Patio
Makers and artists are welcome to display and sell their conference-appropriate creations including their replica pottery and other hand-made traditional crafts.
5:30 – Community Potluck Dinner – Gates Building – East Patio
Please join us for an evening meal. Conference organizers are providing meat and vegetarian chili, and paper products and utensils. If you’re able, please bring a side or dessert or drinks to share. Please label foods to alert those with food allergies.
7:00 – Trade Blanket – Gates Building – East Patio
This event allows conference attendees to join in the fun of trading creations, tools, or materials with their community. You do not need to have anything to trade to attend, however trading US Greenbacks for items is discouraged but has been known to make things interesting.
Sunday, September 29
8:00 – Trench Excavation and Discussion of Results – Kiln yard located north of the campus just across Road
Observe the opening of the trench kiln, retrieve pottery, and have a chance to discuss the results of the firing.
10:30 Group Photo & Farewell – Gates Building – East Patio
Join us with your favorite creation from the weekend for a group photo and an opportunity to wish each other bon voyage till we gather again next year.