“DESIGN & WOOD FIRING II”
Vilnius Academy of Art
Ceramics Department
Nordplus/CIRRUS intensive course “DESIGN & WOOD FIRING II”
Name of the intensive course: Design & Wood-firing II
Dates: 14.09.2025 – 22.09.2025 (14.09.2025 – arrival to Vilnius; 22.09.2025 – departure from Vilnius)
Level: BA/MA
Host institution: Vilnius Academy of Arts
Location/venue: Vilnius, Lithuania
Number of ECTS: 3
Number of participants: 16
Application deadline: June 1st, 2025
How to apply: Interested participants must fill out the online application form.
CIRRUS funding: the selected students will receive a fixed CIRRUS grant in the amount of 580 Euros to cover travel, accommodation and food expenses in Lithuania.
Course description:
The course is envisaged as an international wood firing ceramic symposium. During the symposium an intensive programme will be implemented. Programme includes lectures, workshops, professional practice, wood kiln firings – black and Baltic raku firings, attendance of museums, galleries and the participation at the POP-UP exhibition on the end of the symposium.
Participants will be introduced to historical Lithuanian pottery and will have the task of creating their own ceramic design object – a pearl of the 21st century. A month before the symposium, participants will receive detailed information about the assignment so they can start preparing drawings and sketches at home. Later, during the symposium, each participant will create their own design object in a clay material and it will be fired in a wood firing kilns. In an electric kiln, the result can be predictable, but here the author can expect additional effects from the fire.
Wood fired kilns are available in very few universities in Europe, there are certainly many topics for research here. Wood firing gives each ceramic design object an individual, exclusive, unrepeatable touch and added value.
In our academy we have two different types of wood fired kilns intended for black and Baltic raku firings. In the process of work, we have acquired and gathered versatile knowledge about wood firing, which we want to share with others.
In order to get a convincing result, we will use all possible teaching methods, combining theoretical lessons (lectures, seminars, discussions) with practical lessons (master classes, demonstrations, technology lessons, involvement in the firing process). Group lessons are mixed with individual lessons and consultations, which are a very important part of art education. By creating communication platform – a conference, all participants of the symposium will have the opportunity to share their experience by presenting their university, department or an interesting project.
The expected learning outcomes:
Students will obtain the knowledge in Lithuanian pottery design, as well as field of ceramics materials and wood-firing technologies by practically developing the project in ceramic design. The project works will be displayed at the Pop-Up exhibition, thus it will be also an exam and a test of acquired knowledge, where each participant will be able to present their work.
Sunday, 14.09.2025
Arrival in Vilnius, Lithuania
Accommodation: Hostel in Vilnius – on your own decision
Monday, 15.09.2025
Morning
Lecture/Seminar about symposium assignment
Instructions about working possibilities
Individual consultations on work process and techniques
All Day
Practical work at the Art Academy (students create their own design object)
Facilities include pottery wheels, slab-building tools
Bring personal tools and work clothes
Provided materials: ~5 kg earthenware with chamotte per person, some engobes
(Teachers will provide support throughout the day.)
Tuesday, 16.09.2025
Continuation of practical work at the Art Academy
Same facilities and materials
Further individual consultations and teacher support
Wednesday, 17.09.2025
Finishing and drying of works
Seminar – Students’ presentations
Conference – Platform for sharing experiences
Thursday, 18.09.2025
All ceramic works should be dry by the morning
Lecture at the kiln about black firing: kiln construction and process
Hands-on involvement for all students (learning by doing)
Kiln packing, warming, and firing process
Schedule on duty at the kiln: every 2 hours, 2–3 participants
Friday, 19.09.2025
Lecture about Baltic raku: kiln construction and process
Hands-on involvement for all students (learning by doing)
Kiln packing, warming, and firing process
Schedule on duty at the kiln: every 2 hours, 5–6 participants
Saturday, 20.09.2025
Cooling process of the black kiln
Program in Vilnius: sightseeing in the city, museums, galleries
Sunday, 21.09.2025
Kiln opening day at the Art Academy
POP-UP exhibition in the yard near the kiln
Students’ presentations
Barbecue
(Possible departure in the evening.)
Monday, 22.09.2025
Departure day (09/22)
Alternatively, you can leave on Sunday evening (09/21)
End of Schedule