Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pottery Studio in Appleton, WI
Fired Earth Pottery has been a cornerstone of Northeast Wisconsin's creative community since October 1997. Founded by Master Potter Rick McKinney, our studio provides comprehensive pottery education and professional-grade facilities for artists at all skill levels. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in high-fired functional pottery and offer structured 8-week classes covering hand-building, wheel-throwing, glazing, and kiln firing techniques. Our small class sizes ensure personalized instruction from certified instructors like Courtney Kaczorowski and Angie Bougie, who bring decades of combined expertise in ceramic arts. The studio features 10 pottery wheels, three specialized kilns including a rare gas-fired downdraft model, and a fully equipped glaze room with over 30 handcrafted glazes.We maintain a 3,000 sq ft space that includes both educational facilities and private studio rentals for advanced artists. Our unique kiln firing process reaches cone 10 temperatures with controlled reduction atmospheres, producing durable, vitrified ceramics. Community engagement remains central to our mission through art residency programs and collaborative kiln unload events. All tools, materials, and firing services are included in our class fees, with no hidden costs. Our commitment to quality education and professional development has made us a regional hub for ceramic arts since our establishment.
Services
Pottery Classes
Studio Rentals
Art Residency
Glazing Workshops
Kiln Firing
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of professional pottery instruction experience
- Our studio features rare gas kiln technology for superior ceramic results
- Small class sizes ensure personalized, hands-on learning experiences
- All-inclusive pricing covers materials, glazes, and firing services
- We provide access to professional-grade equipment for all skill levels
Services
Pottery Classes
Our 8-week pottery classes teach hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques with personalized instruction. Students access professional equipment including 10 pottery wheels and three kilns. All materials, glazes, and firings included.
Studio Rentals
Private studio rentals provide access to professional ceramic equipment for experienced artists. Includes wheel stations, glaze room with 30+ handmade options, and kiln firing services for personal projects.
Art Residency
Our art residency program supports ceramic artists through dedicated studio space and equipment access. Residents collaborate with instructors and participate in community kiln firing events using advanced techniques.
Glazing Workshops
Specialized glazing workshops teach surface decoration and finishing techniques. Students learn to apply over 30 handmade glazes and prepare pieces for final firing in our professional kilns.
Kiln Firing
Professional kiln firing services available for studio renters and class participants. Utilize our gas-fired downdraft kiln that reaches cone 10 temperatures for durable, vitrified ceramic results.
People
Rick McKinney
Founder & Master Potter
Established Fired Earth Pottery in 1997 with 30+ years ceramic experience. Specializes in high-fired functional pottery and kiln construction. Teaches advanced techniques to students and residents.
Angie Bougie
Instructor
Certified pottery instructor with expertise in hand-building and glazing techniques. Co-teaches classes with Courtney Kaczorowski and assists with studio operations and resident artists.
Courtney Kaczorowski
Instructor
Experienced ceramic artist teaching wheel-throwing and finishing techniques. Collaborates with Angie Bougie to provide personalized instruction in small class settings for all skill levels.
Questions
When are pottery classes offered?
Classes run three times yearly starting in September, January, and March. Each 8-week session meets weekly for 3-hour sessions with additional Saturday open studio times.
What's included in class fees?
The $250 fee includes one clay bag, all instruction, studio access, glazes, and kiln firings. Students need only bring basic tools and appropriate clothing.
Do you offer private studio space?
Yes, we provide private studio rentals for experienced artists with access to wheels, glaze room, and kiln firing services as part of our art residency program.
What equipment is available?
Studio features 10 pottery wheels, three kilns (including a gas-fired downdraft model), glaze room with 30+ handmade options, and dedicated trimming stations.