Welcome to Starworks' International Wood Firing Conference, Sustain: Woodfire NC 2025, in Star North Carolina, May 22-25, 2025

Join the global conversation on wood fired ceramics and immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant and unique pottery communities in the U.S.

What new insights could you gain from North Carolina’s renowned wood firing tradition? How can the ancient techniques and modern practices of this craft continue to evolve? Don’t miss the chance to hear from national and international experts who are shaping the future of wood firing.

Starworks' International Wood Firing Conference, Sustain: Woodfire NC 2025, will take place in Star, North Carolina, from May 22-25, 2025. This immersive event will unite professional artists, students, and ceramic enthusiasts from more than eight countries to explore every facet of wood firing, examining its cultural, environmental, ethical, and aesthetic dimensions. This year’s focus is on what sustains and nourishes the wood-firing community—examining the practices, traditions, and values that keep this art form alive in a rapidly changing world.

With more than 30 wood kilns, the Seagrove area of North Carolina is home to one of the largest concentrations of wood-fired kilns and firers in the country. This rich history and deep-rooted tradition make it the perfect setting for a conference dedicated to the evolution of this craft.

At Sustain: Woodfire NC 2025, you'll engage with a dynamic mix of panel discussions, live firings, hands-on demonstrations, and plenary talks. Topics will range from sustainability in the craft, kiln design and firing techniques, to glazing, clay, and community-building. We’ll also explore the growing intersection between wood-fired ceramics and food culture, considering how this ancient craft can nourish both body and soul.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious newcomer, the conference offers an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow within an inspiring and supportive community. You'll leave with fresh perspectives on the role of wood-fired ceramics in today's world and a renewed sense of purpose in your own practice.

Mark your calendar for May 22-25, 2025, and join us in Star, NC, for an unforgettable experience at Sustain: Woodfire NC 2025. Together, we’ll explore how this timeless craft can continue to thrive, inspire, and evolve for generations to come.

-

Call for content (Main conference, May 22-25) & Call for entry (Juried exhibition, April 15-May 25) are now open.

Tickets, as well as the schedule of presenters, panels, and demonstrations, will be announced soon. There will also be tickets available for pre-conference events and firing opportunities in neighboring Seagrove, NC.

Starworks is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization - 100 Russell Drive, Star, NC, 27356

Thank you to Windgate Foundation and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill for their support of this conference!