2026 Directors’ Picks: Top Art Workshops at Anderson Ranch
February 20, 2026
Posted In: Workshops
Tags: 2026 Summer Workshop Guide
Anderson Ranch Arts Center has long stood as a beacon for artistic exploration and community growth. Since its founding, the Ranch has been dedicated to the idea that the creative process is best nurtured in a supportive, immersive environment. The upcoming 2026 season continues this storied tradition, offering a diverse array of programs designed to challenge makers of all levels. To help navigate the extensive catalog, the artistic leadership team has curated a list of standout experiences.
Artistic Directors Andrea Jenkins Wallace, Liz Ferrill, and Betsy Alwin have each identified specific workshops that exemplify the spirit of the Ranch. These selections highlight the depth of instruction available, from tactile sculpture workshops to cutting-edge photography and new media workshops. Their choices reflect a commitment to both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.
Explore the following guide to discover the workshops that the directors believe will be essential additions to any artistic journey this summer.
Included in this guide:
- Betsy Alwin’s Selections
- Andrea Jenkins Wallace’s Selections
- Liz Ferrill’s Selections
Betsy Alwin’s Selections
Betsy Alwin selects three distinct workshops that emphasize material mastery and professional development. Her choices span the tactile worlds of wood, ceramics, and sculpture.
Bent Laminations in Vessels with Laura Kishimoto
June 22 to June 26
Why You’ll Love It: Participants will explore innovative bending techniques under the guidance of a master of meticulous design, diving deeper into the creative and technical process of shaping wood. The course utilizes CNC technology to create molds, allowing for the creation of small prototypes that blend traditional and modern methods while giving you the freedom to experiment and personalize your pieces. It serves as an ideal environment for those eager to infuse new energy into their woodworking practice through movement and form, encouraging you to push your boundaries and discover new approaches.
Laura Kishimoto, Heptagonal Vase, 2025
Introduction to Clay Body Chemistry with Matt Katz
June 22 to July 3
Why You’ll Love It: This workshop moves beyond theory to offer a truly hands-on experience where students analyze commercial clays while developing their own unique formulas, making the exploration both practical and insightful. Unlike standard glaze courses, makers will actively throw or sculpt to see their custom clay bodies in action immediately, observing firsthand how materials behave and adapt. It offers critical understanding for anyone wanting to tailor materials specifically to their artistic vision without wasting time on trial and error, while also empowering artists to make informed, confident choices in their own studios.
Matt Katz,Clay Course
Sculpting The Figure with Basil Watson
August 10 to August 14
Why You’ll Love It: Basil Watson brings incredible craftsmanship to the studio, teaching students how to sculpt the figure in the round with precision and attention to detail. A unique component of this workshop involves professional development, specifically learning how to document work for proposals and create presentations that are foundry-ready. This class bridges the gap between anatomical study and the practicalities of a professional sculpting career, equipping participants with vital skills for both artistic growth and advancing their presence in the field.
Basil Watson, The harmonious expression of one’s vision of life
Andrea Jenkins Wallace’s Selections
Andrea Jenkins Wallace highlights two exceptional opportunities within the realm of photography and new media workshops. Her picks focus on the power of the image to convey intimacy and narrative.
The Gift of Intimate Portraiture with Erik Carter
June 22 to June 26
Why You’ll Love It: Erik Carter brings a unique tenderness to the world of celebrity photography that participants will learn to emulate in their own work, with guidance that encourages openness and creativity. The workshop focuses on the courage required to capture intimacy and offers a rare chance to learn from a master of the genre while exploring the emotional depths behind each image. Students will discover how to translate personal connection into compelling visual narratives, gaining real tools to enhance their own practice and tell more meaningful stories through portraiture.
Erik Carter, Calvin
We Make Pictures in Order to Live with Michael Famighetti
July 27 to July 31
Why You’ll Love It: This is a premier opportunity to present work directly to the editor-in-chief of Aperture’s editorial program and receive invaluable feedback rooted in contemporary practice. Michael Famighetti guides photographers through the crucial process of editing and sequencing images to present projects in their strongest light, fostering an environment that prioritizes thoughtful curation and growth. It is an essential experience for those looking to refine their portfolios within the landscape of contemporary photography and new media workshops while gaining perspectives that can elevate artistic direction and open new possibilities for creative presentation.
Michael Famighetti, Aperture Magazine
Liz Ferrill’s Selections
Liz Ferrill chooses two workshops that push the boundaries of traditional mediums. Her selections for printmaking and painting emphasize narrative and cultural relevance.
Storyboard Intaglio: Shaped Plates with Juana Estrada Hernández
August 3 to August 7
Why You’ll Love It: Juana Estrada Hernández introduces a unique approach to printmaking by teaching students to shape copper plates using a jeweler’s saw, bringing new dimensions to traditional techniques. The course emphasizes narrative and storytelling through small-scale works, allowing printmakers to explore their background and heritage and make meaningful connections with their creative process. It combines innovative techniques with traditional skill-building for a distinct studio experience, encouraging each artist to develop a personal narrative voice while mastering exciting new skills.
Juana Estrada Hernández, Ah Chambiar Para Nuestra Casita
New Avenues and Investigations with Chitra Ganesh
August 24 to August 28
Why You’ll Love It: Chitra Ganesh is celebrated for her socially and culturally engaged multimedia work, making this an exciting opportunity for artists seeking relevance and inspiration in the contemporary art world. The class functions as a high-level investigation into how an artist’s practice fits into the broader cultural conversation and helps participants find their unique voice within it. Participants will enjoy working with a teacher known for her dynamic and supportive approach to painting and investigation, fostering personal growth while connecting creative work to larger social and artistic movements.
Chitra Ganesh, In Media Res
Join the Community at Anderson Ranch
The 2026 season at Anderson Ranch offers a gateway to personal growth and artistic expansion. These workshops selected by the artistic directors represent just a fraction of the opportunities available to connect with a vibrant community of creators. Whether the goal is to master a new technique in a sculpture workshop or refine a portfolio in photography and new media workshops, the Ranch provides the space and expertise needed to succeed.
Spaces in workshops are limited and can often fill quickly due to the caliber and popularity of the Guest Faculty. Secure a spot today to ensure a place in these transformative experiences.
Explore all summer workshops.
Not sure where to begin? Our friendly artistic staff are here to help guide your creative path. Email us at [email protected], and we’ll match you with the perfect workshop.