HP Bloomer

Soda Firing: Exploring Atmospheric Glaze and Surface

June 28 - July 3, 2026

Intermediate

Clay

Overview

In this workshop, students are invited to explore the wonderfully rich surfaces created by the use of soda vapor in an atmospheric kiln. This firing method can produce soft, warm, and subtle surfaces or give extra life to sometimes static glazes. Students will learn the fundamentals of soda firing and explore specific approaches to glazing and surface treatment designed for atmospheric kilns. This fast-paced workshop will fire the Arrowmont soda kiln mid-week and will facilitate discussions on the relationship between form and surface in soda firing. Students will have the opportunity to make and glaze work before the kiln is loaded but are encouraged to bring some bisqueware with them.

Course Fee : $760.00

Download The Materials List

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

One Week Workshop Tuition

$760.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$810.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

HP Bloomer

HP Bloomer is a ceramic artist and educator living in Denton, Texas. He received his MFA from the University of North Texas in 2011. Following graduation, he completed residencies across the U.S. at institutions including the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, The Carbondale Clay Center, and the Cobb Mountain Art & Ecology Project. From 2014 to 2016, he served as the Studio Director of Santa Fe Clay. With over 15 years dedicated to teaching ceramics, he has held positions at numerous institutions, including Colorado Mountain College, Mendocino College, Dallas College, the University of Dallas, and Tarrant County College. His work explores a wide array of ceramics, ranging from functional to figurative, with a current focus on formal relationships that play with scale and function, and sculptural work that seeks to understand the relationship between memory, celebration, and loss.

Artist Website

Explore the Ceramics Studio

Located in the historic West Building, the Ceramic Studios are a multi-room complex dedicated to all our clay loving students. Featuring both a wheel throwing studio and hand-building studio, shared spaces between these classrooms include a hot box, electric kiln room, train kiln yard (soda and wood firing), and glaze room. With dedicated, professional studio staff on-hand to assist, Arrowmont is prepared to meet every knead – err need.

Explore the Ceramics Studio