Betsy Alwin

This basic mold-making workshop focuses on plaster piece molds for slip and press-mold casting. Students are guided through the technical aspects of design of an object for casting, development of a plaster mold, and methods of casting. Discussion and demonstration give insight to how artists use this practice to create a catalog of forms and objects to use again and again in their work. Participants come away with knowledge of best practices, functioning piece molds, and a bisqued cast form.

Experience the power of hot metal casting in this two-week intensive workshop covering the entire process of creating a cast metal sculpture. Students start by learning how to create wax forms to be transformed into bronze or aluminum, then are guided through the highly technical process of creating the ceramic shell mold, the burn-out process, and casting hot metal. Participants also explore the green sand-casting technique for quick-casting possibilities. Students come away with the knowledge, vocabulary, and an understanding of cast metal’s place in contemporary art practice. This workshop is ideal for anyone who has never cast metal before and for those who wish to brush-up on their skills.

Anderson Ranch’s Studio Session approach provides artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving regular one-on-one mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff and interns. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation and access to equipment, as well as five hours of weekly technical guidance in the Ranch’s state-of-the-art facilities. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. *Bench and gluing rooms open 24 hours a day. LIMITED machine tool room access from 9am – 5pm and evening open tool room hours 7pm – 9pm Monday through Thursday. Studio Sessions are available to artists with prior experience in woodworking, tools, and safety. All participants will be required to attend safety orientations for the facilities and specific tools they will use. TO APPLY: Portfolios will be accepted on a rolling basis. Instructions on how to submit your portfolio are as follows: Submit digital images of your work via email directly to Betsy Alwin, Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media, [email protected] Include 3-5 images of your work with image identification that lists the title, media, dimensions and year of each image. While not required, it is helpful to see an artist statement addressing the images you send. Include “Advanced Portfolio Review” in the subject line of your email, as well as the studio session you are applying for. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website. Please contact Betsy Alwin with any questions at [email protected] or 970-924-5054