TMG is pleased to announce that construction has been completed on a new building at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria Campus.

Inside the unassuming brick structure tucked behind the Tyler Gallery, a massive energy source burns brightly. On June 28, 2005, a 24 cubic foot kiln manufactured by the Geil Kiln Company of Gardenia, California, was fired up for the first time in its new home. The 299,000 BTU, natural gas powered behemoth reached an astounding 2,200 degrees! (At the direction of the Fire Marshall, the temperature was raised 200 degrees beyond its normal operating maximum of 2,000 degrees).

The super-sized kiln shares its home with three smaller electric-powered models - two measuring 10 cubic feet each, and one 4 cubic foot "baby" kiln. The Kiln Building, constructed of wood framing with brick veneer, includes special exhaust vents to reduce the excessive heat generated by the kilns. Bill Schran, Assistant Director of Fine Arts & The Tyler Gallery, indicated that 40 to 60 students per semester will be firing their ceramic and pottery creations within the new structure.