the pottery

We offer single-origin pottery from the bluffs of the Illinois River. We explore how our clay responds to wood-firing, pit-firing, saggar, obvara and raku firing techniques. Our forms compliment flowers and tablescapes, including bud vases and taper holders.

News 7/4/2025:

October 4th will be our first Wild Clay Camp at the farm!

Wild Clay Art Day! @ Black Sheep Flower Farm

9AM ARRIVE

10AM HUNT for Wild Clay (Dress for the woods)

NOON EAT (grilled veggies, tofu, chicken and a salad. BYOB)

1PM PROCESS (How we process wild clay. Wet and dry)

2PM INSPIRE (Garden Walk, Chill and Reflect)

3PM CHOOSE your own clay adventure (1lb. of clay included)

*Centered (wheel throwing wild clay)

*Pinch (Make bud vase using pinch pot method)

*Coil (make bud vase using coiling method)

4-7PM WERK Get busy making your masterpiece!

Bring Snacks and your favorite playlist!

COST of the Workshop is on a sliding scale. $50- $100+

Space is limited. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you can give extra, your generosity will help cover the cost of someone else in our community. Must be 18+ to attend.

Camping: $25 night/per person

Nearby Lodging: historichavanalofts.com

Reservations

wcac schedule

Dennis Monn

I grew up admiring the indigenous pottery at Dickson Mounds Museum and was amazed that these objects were made with just the earth beneath our feet-- and fire! I studied ceramics at Western Illinois University, where I fell in love with wheel throwing and discovered wood firing. I create work that is rooted in a sense of place and entirely made from the resources available on our flower farm. I was inspired by the flowers to make delicate, sexy forms. As an alternative to glazes, I´ve embraced the chaotic adornment of various traditional firing techniques plush terra sigillata and ash glaze made from scratch.

our wild clay

Rather than store-bought clay, I use wild clay directly dug from the earth at our flower farm. First the clay is dried out in the sun for several days. Then I grind small clumps in a crank corn grinder. This powder is rehydrated into a consistency that is conducive to wheel throwing. The newly rehydrated clay is wrapped and sealed before it sits for weeks. Ancient civilizations allowed their clay to sit untouched for generations, so the longer the better! The clay is fired to vitrification, over 2000 degrees, turning into rich brown ceramic that is impervious to water, making them excellent fresh flower vases.