Our story

Founded in 2022, Queer Atmosphere began as a small collective in search of an inclusive space for queer folx to do atmospheric firings. Today, QA represents a diverse network of ceramic artists across the U.S.

Group of diverse young adults gathered outdoors under a tree, smiling and engaging in conversation at an outdoor gathering or event.

OUR MISSION

We’re breaking barriers in atmospheric ceramics by creating a space for queer artists to access education, resources, and a supportive community. Together, we’re reshaping this art form with inclusivity, curiosity, and collaboration.

Person holding a decorative ceramic pitcher with dark glaze in a pottery shop, surrounded by various pottery pieces and vases on shelves.
People gathering under a wooden shelter at night with a brick fireplace in the background, illuminated by hanging lights.

From hosting workshops and events to offering residencies and educational resources, Queer Atmosphere is committed to building an inclusive community for queer artists.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Illustration of a purple octopus, an orange peach, and a yellow ring on a black background.

    Hands-on workshops and residencies

  • Cartoon volcano erupting with purple lava

    Member spotlights with opportunities to sell and showcase art

  • A slice of layered cake with pink, yellow, and brown layers, topped with a slice of watermelon and a purple flower

    A growing directory of queer-friendly kilns and studios

Meet our board

Meet the Team

  • A man with glasses and a black cap smiling and leaning to the right inside a small, arched brick workshop. There are large ceramic vases and pottery behind him, including a prominent white vase with a narrow neck.

    Mac Burns (they/he)

    Mac is a potter, cook, and pyromaniac masquerading as an artist. They have been involved with atmospheric firings for two years and nonprofit work for the past seven.

  • A woman working on a pottery wheel shaping a large clay vase in a pottery studio, with several other finished and in-progress ceramic pieces around her.

    Jenn Kaplan (they/she)

    Jenn is an Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Warren Wilson College. Jenn earned their MFA from The University of Notre Dame and a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. They have shown internationally though primarily in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S.

  • A man smiling, wearing glasses, a tan knit beanie, and a blue jacket, standing indoors near a brick wall.

    Joe Muscolino (he/him)

    Joe is a writer, editor, and creative director. He’s been atmospheric firing since 2022, assists at the ceramic studio Not Work Related, and manages the Queer Atmosphere website.

  • A smiling man with a tattooed arm resting on a pottery wheel in a ceramics studio, with a partially made clay bowl in front of him.

    Kyle Potts (they/he)

    Kyle is a queer ceramicist working/living in the Deep South. Introduced to wood firing in 2018, they started QA in response to hostility directed at women and trans folx in the atmospheric community. They completed a wood fire apprenticeship under Maria Spies and have fired wood kilns throughout the U.S.

  • A man holding a small sculpture of a skeleton in front of a brick kiln outdoors, with green trees and grass in the background.

    Jinsik Yoo (he/him)

    Jinsik, a sculptor and painter from Daejeon, South Korea, works with ceramics to explore desire, queer relations, and otherness. He holds an MFA from Alfred University and has exhibited internationally. Yoo is currently based in Athens, GA, teaching part-time at UGA.

Abstract digital artwork featuring a central beige structure with swirling, disc-like shapes on top, surrounded by multiple colorful hands in shades of blue, green, and yellow, reaching towards the structure against a light, gradient background.