Kiln Firing Festival 2025

The annual kiln firing event will take place on August 8 and 9 at the workshop-kiln of Latgale ceramics master Andrejs Paulāns in Jasmuiža (Preiļi Municipality, Aizkalne). The kiln will be fired by members of the Folk Applied Arts Studio “Potters of Rēzekne District” and their friends.

On August 8, the potters will fill the kiln with their clay vessels prepared for firing, and around noon, the kiln will be lit.

This time, along with the potters' works, clay vessels crafted in last year's inspiring ceramics throwing masterclass, held within the project “My Handiwork Was Successful” under the VKKF target program “Development Program for Historical Latvian Lands”, will also be fired. These vessels were made by singer Dainis Skutelis, poet Dagneja, and priest Aigars Bernāns.

While the kiln is firing, attendees will have the opportunity to talk with the potters, observe the kiln firing process, and in the late evening, witness the great flames.

On August 9 at 11:00 AM, the opening of the kiln will take place, and the freshly fired, still hot, beautifully glazed vessels will be removed. There will also be an opportunity to purchase the works.

Before the kiln opening, a traditional quiz will be held, led by potter and TLMS “Rēzekne District Potters” leader Andris Ušpelis.

Entry is free on August 8. On August 9, entry is 2.00 EUR, which includes a museum tour.

The firing of the kiln in “Jasmuiža” has been taking place since July 2, 1999, when the reconstructed workshop-kiln of Andrejs Paulāns was ceremoniously opened. For over 25 years now, Latgale potters have been gathering at “Jasmuiža” to bring their thrown clay vessels, glaze them, place them in the kiln, and fire them.