A Community for Ceramic Artists
The Beginning
Unity Fired Arts, a Community Ceramics Studio, started as an idea in 2007. It wasn't until 2023 that the dream found a place.
The studio founder and community director, Michael Forhan, has a breadth of experience across different industries, none more than as an IT professional helping others understand and implement technology. Fast paced travel and global clientele meant working from all hours and jumping on a plane at the hint of change.
Then, the COVID pandemic arrived. It kept us locked in our homes, isolated from the travel schedules and interacting with coworkers. The meetings became a poor excuse to connect. Family tragedy hit. It was that time to really examine the impact travelling was having on family. What really was the purpose?
Mike needed perspective, identity and community. Unity Fired Arts is what was needed. A place to connect and find community, identity and compassion. A place to recalibrate perspectives and see what truly matters in life: each other.
The Studio
Located near the intersection of Kitsap Way and National Blvd in Bremerton, Washington.
Our studio is designed to provide a space for a dozen ceramic artists to share a space to create and learn pottery with high-fire clay. Also referred to as “stoneware”, this clay is heated to “cone 10” where it hardens and the glaze melts and solidifies into a beautiful glass.
The studio has tools and equipment to help new and seasoned artists with their craft. At opening we have:
8 Pottery Wheels: 2 Brent, 3 Clay Boss, 2 Shimpo and a Pacifica
Brent SR-24 Slab Roller Table
Heavy duty Brent Extruder with dies
Skutt 1227-3PK Kiln
SPS Model 184 Lab Kiln
Wood Shop including:
Dust Collection System
Jet 10” Tablesaw
Delta 14” Bandsaw
Jet 10” Lathe
Wen Drill Press
Grinder/Polisher
Glaze Kitchen
Dry Locker / Leather Locker
Banding Wheels: 4 Shimpo, 6 Aluminum double-sided
Glaze Equipment: Airbrushes, Air compressor, Blow Pots, Line Tape, Glaze Tongs,
6 Adjustable Height Tables
The Vision
The vision of Unity Fired Arts is to provide resources for local ceramic artists to learn, explore and grow in their art. We want to provide a safe, kind environment to learn techniques and experiences from the talented artists of Kitsap County. Whether through membership, sponsorship or simply viewing and sharing the diversity of art from new, local artists.
There are many programs and services that we are exploring, though one that we are hoping to build is a community pottery library. A place where well loved equipment can find a new place, whether it’s just a temporary rental or a used purchase. We hope to help new artists with a map of resources to help them find their own voice and identity.
We also hope to give voice to the Veteran Artists, to learn from their experiences, to take on the challenges and exploration of curiosity. It has been said the field of ceramics is endless, and growth comes from standing on the work of others before us. Being a place where the flame of artistic passion is passed around daily to refill us with meaning.
The Owner
Mike is a US Navy Submarine Veteran, Father, Husband, and is an extensive and creative problem-solver.
Mike's various interests over his many lives include: computer programming, diagnostic equipment technician, newspaper photographer, layout and press operator, enterprise software development program manager. Their hobby experimentation means they also love talking about topic such as: electronics, gardening, woodworking, silk-screening, chalk lettering, laser-engraving, 3d-printing, close-loop systems, automation, artistic painting with acrylics and oils, resin casting, fiber arts, bead working, metalworking, welding and of course: Ceramics.