The Montanagama & Cat Kiln

Wood Firing in the Heart of Montana

Two kilns. Centuries-old traditions. Distinctive surfaces shaped by fire, ash, and time.

In the quiet hills of Arlee, Western Montana, Jerry Baldwin fires two distinctive wood kilns: The Montanagama, a compact Anagama-style kiln, and a Catenary Crossdraft Wood Kiln, affectionately called the “Cat Kiln.” Each kiln is a vessel of transformation, where flame, ash, and time create surfaces no glaze could ever replicate.

The Montanagama measures 4 x 4 x 12 feet—small enough to fire more often than larger Anagamas, yet large enough to hold a significant body of work. Its design places the pots in direct contact with wood and ember, producing striking natural ash effects and dramatic flame markings.

The Cat Kiln is 6 x 4 x 3 feet with a firebox separate from the stacking chamber. This design produces its own unique range of surfaces, from soft flashing to crusted ember lines.

Firing Schedules & Atmosphere

Both kilns are fueled exclusively with wood, in a reduction atmosphere, producing surfaces with natural ash glaze, flashing, and ember contact lines.

The unloading process is a moment of anticipation—each piece emerging with its own singular fingerprint of the firing process.

Montanagama: Fired once or twice a year for 5–7 days.
Cat Kiln: Fired three to five times a year for 1–3 days.

Firing with Jerry

Jerry invites potters to participate in communal firings of the Montanagama or Cat Kiln. Space is limited, and spots often fill quickly. Full-kiln rentals are not available, but shared firings offer the chance to learn, collaborate, and see your work emerge with the unpredictable beauty of wood ash and flame.

Rates:

Montanagama: $400–$500 per person
Cat Kiln: $200–$300 per person

What’s Included:

All wood for the firing
Technical guidance from Jerry
Mentorship for those new to wood firing
Hands-on experience in wadding, loading, and stoking

Participation Requirements:

Montanagama: 4–7 stoking shifts (6–8 hours each)
Cat Kiln: 1–3 stoking shifts (6–8 hours each)
Some wood preparation is required.
Relaxed environment—just call ahead.

Jocko Valley, Montana

Finding Montanagama

The kilns are located in Arlee, Western Montana, surrounded by sweeping mountain views and open skies—a perfect backdrop for the slow, patient process of wood firing.