Art Center of the Bluegrass will host an opening ceremony for the inaugural firing of an anagama kiln from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12. This wood-fired pottery experience is unique in this part of the United States, drawing potters from around the region and beyond to participate.
The anagama kiln was built in 1993, settled into a sloping hillside in rural Danville on land once owned by Dr. Mack Jackson. Constructed by Jackson with renowned glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell and his Centre College ceramics students, it was fired regularly until 2005, when Jackson passed away. Since that time, the kiln has remained unused.
Local potter and Art Center board member Jonas Hurley has worked to refurbish the kiln, beginning in the late summer of 2025. Working with a dedicated team of corporate sponsors and volunteers throughout the fall and winter, the kiln is ready to fire for the first time in decades, beginning on April 12.
“The broad support Art Center board member Dr. Jonas Hurley has been able to attract is astounding and we owe a huge amount of gratitude to the passionate community that has rallied behind this unique project,” said Art Center executive director Laura Elwyn.
Built modeling an ancient Japanese design, the kiln has undergone extensive renovations, with complete reconstruction of its firebox and chimney, and added insulation to the catenary arch. It will be filled with hundreds of pots, and fired around-the-clock for six to seven days before reaching a final temperature of approximately 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Teams of volunteers will keep the fires burning throughout the firing period.
Materials and labor were generously donated by Sellers Manufacturing, Corning Inc., Doss and Horky Inc., electrician Zack Burton, Kenneth Littrell of Arlington Tree Service, and Scott Brady of Reimagine Millworks. A special thanks to Chris Smith for sharing his masonry expertise.
“I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all the potters and friends who have donated many hours of labor and many cords of wood to make this project a success,” Hurley commented, “and I would especially like to thank Brian, Cindy and Gabby Crall for their enthusiasm in allowing this project to occur on their property and their invaluable assistance in seeing it to its completion.”
The public is welcome to visit the kiln during the Dragon Fire Celebration, from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, at 3125 Chrisman Lane, in Danville, Kentucky.