Seagrove, NC - On Sunday, March 9, from 1:00-4:00 pm, the North Carolina Pottery Center will be open to the public as Becca Irwin, a graduating senior from East Tennessee State University, who is attending this year’s NC Potters Conference in Asheboro, NC, will be giving a presentation on a “Vortex Soda Kiln” beginning at 2:00 pm. NC Potters Conference attendees are welcome to attend as well, and there will be a light reception. The open house and presentation are free and open to the public. Donations are always welcomed, of course.

Says Becca, "My presentation is on The Vortex soda kiln the students from East Tennessee State University constructed with the help of their professor and graduate students. It was designed by Professor Don Davis and our graduate students, Greg Pace and Sherry Maddox. The kiln has a unique burner port layout on four corners of the kiln that direct flame into a spiral motion down to a small flue in the center floor that exits out to the chimney. I have documented and photographed the whole process of designing, constructing, firing, and results including blueprints, kiln logs, and drawings. The kiln was funded by an East Tennessee State University IDC Grant. I will go over the firing results, burner and soda port configuration, refractory materials we used, and provide photographs of pottery we have fired in the kiln."

The mission of the North Carolina Pottery Center is to promote public awareness of and appreciation for the history, heritage, and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina. The Center is located at 233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC. Hours of operation are Tue - Sat 10 am - 4 pm. For more information, please call 336.873.8430, visit ncpotterycenter.org, or find us on Facebook.

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