FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Shelby County Arts Council will host the opening reception for “Friends of the Anagama: A Ceramics Exhibition” May 5 at its gallery in Columbiana.

The exhibit will feature ceramic artwork fired in University of Montevallo’s anagama kiln. UM professor Scott Meyer and fellow artists will exhibit their pottery fired in the wood fire kiln located on the school’s campus. A photo exposé chronicling the firing process of the kiln will accompany the exhibit.

University of Montevallo’s anagama kiln is a one-of-a-kind, handbuilt Japanese-style kiln that is fired about twice a year. The firing process, which takes four full days and nights, is grueling and takes months to prepare.

Fourteen cords of pine and oak are required to fire the 20-foot long kiln. A team of volunteers, students and professors from all over the Southeast come to help, taking shifts all day and all night long, stoking the fire until it reaches over 2,300 degrees.

Once the kiln has reached full temperature, it begins the cooling process, which takes over a week. Once cool, a team of artists and volunteers help unload the kiln, revealing hundreds of beautifully unique pots and other items.

The opening reception is set for Sunday, May 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the SCAC gallery, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana. The exhibition will run May 5-31. The opening reception and exhibition is free and open to the public.