DOUGLAS-Cochise College had its fifth annual Pit Fire on Thursday, November 10.

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Carmen Moreno, college foundation work study, said that the pit fire is put together each year by the art department and serves as a fundraiser for many groups on campus including the art department.

The art department holds the art auction and allows people from the community to become “friends of the art department”. The event brings the others out for a chance to get involved with Cochise College and what it has to offer.

“Mainly, it’s just to bring the community together.” Moreno said.

Tate Rich, Cochise College Faculty Ceramic Instructor, said that the pit fire is used to fire pottery made by students. Beneath the crates, sticks, and logs is a trench running approximately 185 feet long and 4 feet wide and deep. The art works are placed in the pit and packed with paper scraps and sticks and then covered with crates and other wooden materials. After being burned students return the following morning to dig out their creations.

“My pottery pieces look wonderful” student Kimberly Pendergrass said after retrieving her work.

To become a friend of the Art Department, individuals made a five dollar donation and received a ceramic bowl to fill with soup made and served by the Culinary Arts Department throughout the evening.

The entire evening included live music by Dylan Charles and the Border Crossers, Nowhere Man & Whiskey Girl, Terry Wolf & the Back Porch Swing, Mike Montoya and David Galleher.

The evening also included a special performance by Flam Chen. The Pyro Technic theatre troupe came with performers dressed in full costume who acted their parts throughout the evening. Later in the evening they had a chance to perform some of their fire swinging dance routines with the crowd.

One display that guests could enjoy was The Baker Sawdust Injection burner with Professor Lowell Baker from the University of Alabama. The burner functions as a way to fire pottery of a larger size. During the event it worked on and off to fire a larger piece of art to completion.

Hot Cocoa and coffee were sold by Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honors society, to raise money to attend regional and national conferences. Student government also offered free popcorn.

Other performances were included like Ed the Clown & the circus of tiny invisibility, Pablo Pencil who created free caricatures, graffiti artist Bailey Hill, and Wyld Vybe Belly Dance Troupe.

“I had a wonderful time” said Cochise College instructor Lisa Westrick.

Rich said that the event started out originally as one small fire with a few art works five years ago. Over the years, through support from other organizations, departments and clubs on campus the event has grown so much.

The proceeds from the silent auction held by the Art Department go towards scholarships, and needed materials and workshops.

Those who attend help to promote clubs and students studying at Cochise College.