Originally brought to America by German immigrant potters, salt firing provided easy glaze formation in the early days. The post-World War II explosion in creativity and experimentation provided other avenues of expression and materials use. This included introducing other forms of sodium, like bicarbonate of soda, into kilns. This intensive workshop will explore soda firing, from making and preparing to concluding with a firing in the Sugar Maples cross-draft soda kiln. Participants will be introduced to ways of conjuring forms and surfaces that reflect their inspirations and those vastly important "whys?" There will be lectures, demonstrations, exercises to get the juices flowing, and lots of individual attention. Students are welcome to hand build or wheel throw, and to bring 10 pieces of bisque ware for the glaze firing. Techniques involving both approaches will be offered. Decorating techniques with slips and glazes for high temperature will be covered in the rarefied air of the Catskill Mountains!