Pit-fired ceramics, molten iron to illuminate work of SUNY Oswego artists

SUNY Oswego's annual iron pour, a fiery collaboration Thursday, April 13, between the college's art and technology departments, will add an outdoor pit-firing of ceramic work a day earlier.

Art faculty member Sara Prigodich and students in her advanced ceramics classes will demonstrate pit-firing techniques from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, on the north side of Tyler Hall, near the iron pour's location.

"This firing process is the oldest known method for firing ceramics and can produce a variety of interesting results," Prigodich said. "It’s also a great opportunity for other students and members of the campus and community to learn about a fun -- rather bonfire-like -- ceramic process."

The iron pour, a signature event of students in Benjamin Entner's sculpture classes and the materials classes of technology faculty member Richard Bush, will take place approximately from 2 to 6 p.m. April 13 on the north side of Tyler Hall.

"We hope to have 'scratch blocks' available on which people can quickly carve a relief plaque, and then we can cast it for them," said art faculty member Benjamin Enter, adding the event is "open to the campus and community -- all welcome!"

Parking on campus requires a permit. For those without a current SUNY Oswego parking sticker, visit oswego.edu/parking for details on obtaining a daily-use permit.

For more information about these events, contact the art department at 315-312-2111. For information about art programs at SUNY Oswego, visit oswego.edu/art.