Fwd: Spring in to Creativity at the Fire Gallery: March Newsletter

[Mitch Cohen]

Hi ya, just passing this along from LeRoy. How YOU doin? ~Mitch

Begin forwarded message:

From: LeRoy <le...@firegallery.art>

March 2025 Newsletter Dear reader, Spring is here, and with it comes exciting news from Fire Gallery! We’ve been busy firing up kilns, shaping molten glass, and putting the final touches on our space—all in preparation for something special. This month, we’re thrilled to share updates on our Grand Opening, recent soda firing success, the return of glassblowing nights, and a well-deserved member spotlight. Whether you're a longtime member or just discovering our creative community, there’s something for everyone to celebrate. Upcoming Events and Announcements Fresh look in the Fire Gallery Looking for a creative and fun date? Join us for a special pottery class where you and your bestie! can try your hand at the wheel together. Whether you’re crafting matching mugs or a wonky heart-shaped bowl, it’s all about the experience—and we promise plenty of laughs along the way. Taking a moment to look through gallery is a treasure trove of amazing art. 📍 Fire Gallery Studio 🕖 ,Tuesday - Saturday 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00 PM 🎟️ Limited spots available – sign up soon! Sign-up  Fire Gallery Grand Opening  Saturday, May 10th 12 - 5PM Over the past year, our community has poured heart and soul into making Fire Gallery a true home for artists. From insulating the space to setting up heating and cooling, building a soda kiln, and creating a glassworking area, we’ve been hard at work! Now, it's time to celebrate. Join us for our official Grand Opening on Saturday, May 10th, from 12–5 PM! We’ll be unveiling some exciting updates, including a refreshed gallery space. Stay tuned for more details, but mark your calendars this is a day you won’t want to miss! Fresh from the Kiln: Recent Soda and Salt Firing Results Our latest soda firing was a huge success—one of our best yet! The kiln gods were smiling, and the results speak for themselves. Check out these stunning snapshots from the unload. A massive thank you to everyone who made this happen, from those who started the firing at 4 AM to those who saw it through until 9 PM. Your dedication keeps our studio thriving! Ten Fire Gallery Studio members were excited to participate in a community firing of the Gas/soda/wood kiln between Feb 9th and 15th with six members having their first experience of highfire reduction glazes, loading, firing and unpacking of Leroy and Rocco's "sweetie" kiln.Participants were given access to a variety of slips and glazes, shown glazing techniques, the use of wadding and how to prepare kiln furniture and clean pots post firing. We were able to meet our firing plan of 24hrs with great results across a wide range of clay bodies, forms and no mishaps in or out of the kiln.Big thanks to James for all his help and to Leroy and Rocco for sharing their new toy.Cheers, the Smoke-it Team  Interested in being part of the next firing? Talk to LeRoy about the upcoming March session—we’d love to have you join the team! Member Spotlight: Rae & Lucy We are beyond lucky to have so many talented artists at Fire Gallery, and this month, we’re celebrating Rae and Lucy! These two dedicated members recently completed our Student 6-Inch Cylinder Challenge, a milestone that showcases their skill and perseverance. Their progress has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to see where their ceramic journeys take them next. Way to go, Rae and Lucy! Empty Bowls Houston 2025 The 19th Annual Empty Bowls Houston will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. This annual grassroots event brings together artists and craftspeople to help fight hunger in the community. For a minimum $25 donation, attendees can select a handcrafted bowl from thousands of one-of-a-kind pieces donated by Houston-area ceramists and artists. Each donation includes a simple lunch, and the bowl serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to combat hunger locally and globally. The event will also feature pottery and woodturning demonstrations and live music. A Preview Party will be held on Friday, March 21, from 6–8 PM at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street. This ticketed event offers an early look at the bowls and an opportunity to support the cause before the main event. All proceeds benefit the Houston Food Bank. We encourage our Fire Gallery community to attend and support this meaningful cause! Glassblowing is Back in Full Swing! Come witness the magic of molten glass! Glassblowing sessions are now running Wednesday and Friday nights from 5–9 PM with LeRoy. Whether you're an experienced glass artist or just curious to see the process, come by and check it out! Classes & Memberships Still chasing those New Year resolutions? February is still a perfect time to pick up a new hobby! Why not get your hands dirty with us and dive into the world of pottery? Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a total beginner, we’ve got something for everyone. About Our One Time Wheel Classes First time introduction to pottery throwing with the pottery wheel and clay. Learn to use the pottery wheel, center clay and make a bowl, cup or plate. We will have about two hours to play with clay making a couple of piece of pottery like a cup and bowl. BYOB. Sign Up Pottery Class Entry Level – beginners course. Enjoyable fun experience. Making bowls, cups and plates. Experienced Pottery course to improve technique and learn more skills. This is an open enrollment for students to come and go on their own schedule when gallery is open. Instruction is available with assignments each class. Instructors: Harley, Jackie, LeRoy, Sabine, Staci, Trey Join now Raku Anytime Don't worry, we love raku so much we do Raku any time by request. Contact LeRoy to schedule your raku: le...@firegallery.art 409-356-4588 Want to stay in the loop on future classes, firings, and community events? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or check out our website for updates.    As we head into a busy and exciting season, we’re grateful for the creativity and dedication of our incredible community. Whether you’re gearing up for our Grand Opening, getting involved in soda firings and glassblowing nights, or supporting a great cause at Empty Bowls Houston, there’s something for everyone to be part of this month. Stay inspired, keep creating, and we’ll see you in the studio! -LeRoy and  The Fire Gallery Team Unsubscribe | Manage your subscription 1520 Silver St Houston, TX 77007