Clay Program at Side Rail

We are thrilled to announce that the kiln is officially humming at Side Rail Collective! We are currently in a "pilot phase" as we dial in our firing schedules and finalize our studio workflow so all members can start playing with clay.

What We Offer

Right now, Side Rail is a "bring-your-own" style community. We are equipped with

  • ware boards

  • a clay sink

  • a small kiln

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our Current Focus

We believe in transparency. Because we are currently finalizing our first full cycles of member firings, our offerings are more rudimentary than dedicated production studios. We are focused on ensuring our firing process is 100% stable before we scale up.

IDEAL FOR

The "Dabblers": People exploring clay for the first time or using it in mixed-media work.

Independent Ceramicists: Artists who have a separate primary studio but want to join Side Rail for community and knowledge sharing.

Small-Scale Creators: Our space is currently optimized for basic hand-building and small-scale projects.

Members-Only Firing Services & Pricing

ABOUT

We fire to Cone 06 (Bisque) and Cone 6 (Mid-range Glaze). We evaluate wares weekly and are hoping to build up to loading one full kiln a week.

Community Load

$5

Per 4” height increment (up to ¼ shelf).

Full Kiln Load

$80

Kiln techs assist in the loading and unloading of kiln.

Solo Full Load

$60

For members pre-approved by kiln techs to fire independently.

To keep our shared space safe and functional, we have three non-negotiable rules:

  1. Mid-Range Only: We only fire to Cone 6. You must verify your clay and glaze meet this temperature.

  2. The "Wet Clean" Rule: To prevent dangerous silica dust, there is no dry carving or sanding allowed. All cleaning must be done with a damp sponge and our dedicated clay sink.

  3. Bone Dry: Because we have limited storage, all pieces must be bone dry before they are placed on the "Ready to Fire" shelf.

STUDIO STANDARDS