Cochise Newsroom

The Pit Fire Pottery Festival is set for Friday, Nov.14 at the Cochise College Douglas Campus, 4190 W. Highway 80 in Douglas. The community celebration begins at 2 p.m. earlier than previous years and will feature artists, live music, performances, art displays, vendors, savory soup from college Culinary students and fireworks.  

 

Admission is free and open to the public. The festival supports student artists, culinary students through scholarships and club fundraising.  

 

“We’re starting early this year to make the most of the day,” said Dr. Angela Garcia, Dean of Liberal Arts. “With vendors joining us from across Arizona and Mexico, we want everyone to have plenty of time to connect, enjoy the live music, and explore the incredible art displays.” 

 

The bands will include Workingman’s Band, Rockus and Bi-Polar Weather. Culinary art students will serve savory soups including pumpkin/ butternut squash, chili and chicken tortilla around 5 p.m. while browsing vendor booths and art exhibits. 

 

Each year, one student studying ceramics is selected to make 1000 handcrafted bowls for the event. Haziel Robles, a Douglas Campus student studying ceramics, was chosen to design and create this year’s collection. The bowls valued at $36 will be sold for $15 and filled with soup prepared by the Culinary Arts students. The design draws inspiration from the border wall. Donations of $25 or more can receive two bowls. Proceeds benefit the college’s art department and student clubs. 

  

Attendees can purchase bowls around 4 p.m. while enjoying live music, and visiting vendors. Many vendors accept only cash, and there are no ATMs on site.   

  

 A pit fire is an ancient method of firing clay in a ground pit with a wood fire burning above. The process produces swirls of color and pattern on the surface of each piece. The Pit Fire Lighting is scheduled to be around 6 p.m. followed by a fireworks show. Dry, windy, or unstable weather may delay the lighting.  

 

Earplugs will be provided. Pets are not permitted except service animals. The event is drug, alcohol and tobacco-free.  

 

On Saturday morning, students and volunteers will return to uncover the fired pottery, dig the pots out of the ashes.  

 

“The Pit Fire Pottery Festival continues to be one of Cochise College’s signature community events,” added Dr. Garcia. “A celebration that combines, art and education that truly shows how dreams ignite.”  

 

Rain or shine, the event will take place.