From kiln to table, ceramic studio cracks clay, reveals turkey and tradition

Story and photos by Amber McCain

Thea Person, Kriya Dunlap and Teresa Shannon remove the clay from the turkey after it had been covered in clay in the kiln.

UAF’s ceramics studio filled with the sounds of clattering platters and the homely smell of turkey last Tuesday as students, faculty and art alumni gathered for the annual kiln-cooked turkey potluck. This decades-old campus tradition continues to draw a crowd year after year.

As the hammer cracked the hardened clay containing the turkey, both shock and excitement filled the ceramics studio. Gasps and giggles could be heard as steam rose from the hot birds, releasing a savory scent that filled the room.

This year’s kiln-cooked feast took place Tuesday, Nov. 25 and was hosted by the Student Ceramics Art Guild, or SCAG. It continues to be one of the art department’s most cherished traditions. What began more than 20 years ago under former ceramics professor Jim Brashear has grown into a yearly gathering that blends art, food and community.

“This is a traditional potluck. They’ve been doing this for quite some time now,” SCAG president Jillian Muni said.

Muni explained that the turkeys get wrapped in foil and then clay, joking, “it’s a little more sanitary now.” The turkeys then get baked in the kiln for about six to seven hours.

Guests gather around potluck tables in the UAF ceramics studio during the kiln-cooked turkey dinner, a decades-old tradition hosted by the Student Ceramics Art Guild.

“It started as a fun event; it’s a way for us to keep building community with ceramics.”

Muni said the potluck draws more than just ceramics students.

“I would say ceramics and ceramics-adjacent,” Muni said, adding that people from other art departments, and art alum attend the annual event.

Chairs quickly filled and remained so as the flow of people ebbed in and out throughout the night. People were balancing plates of turkey and sides as they maneuvered through the crowd looking for places to perch.

“It’s fun,” Muni said. “It brings everybody in.”

This year’s menu included four kiln-cooked turkeys, apples, and tofurkey, which all paired nicely alongside tables of homemade side dishes brought in by students and faculty.

Assistant professor of art, Teresa Shannon now oversees the tradition. Shannon said that Brashear, her predecessor, ran the kiln-turkey event for at least 20 years and helped make it the staple event that it is today.

The student art sale, the guild’s next big event, is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the art building. The sale will feature work including ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, glass, and drawing and painting. Proceeds benefit student artists and campus art organizations, including the Student Ceramics Art Guild.

“It’s a good community,” Muni said.