Be immersed in the experimental and unique characteristics of saggar firing. A saggar allows for multiple miniature atmospheric environments to develop in a gas kiln. We explore all the facets of saggar firing, from making saggars, producing the work to be fired, preparing the combustibles, and firing the finished pieces. The aim of this workshop is for students to learn about firing different combustibles and how they affect each outcome, and to leave with the knowledge to create their own firing vocabulary and keep on experimenting.

This workshop is designed for beginning students who have never touched clay before, and intermediate students wanting to improve their throwing skills. Students start with centering the clay and work their way to the creation of forms: cylinders, bowls, mugs, and vases. This workshop focuses on wheel-throwing, though participants are able to experiment with underglaze and slip decoration, and glazing. Work finished early in the week will be glaze fired to cone 6; work completed later in the week will be bisque fired.

In this intensive one-week workshop, students discover the possibilities of combining differently colored clays. We explore the Nerikomi method, a Japanese ceramic art technique that involves building intricate patterns by combining and laminating different clays, and learn how to hand-form functional and sculptural objects through a variety of patterning and building techniques.

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.

This workshop is designed for beginning students who have never touched clay before, and intermediate students wanting to improve their throwing skills. Students start by centering the clay and work their way to creating forms: cylinders, bowls, mugs, and vases. This workshop focuses on wheel-throwing, though participants are able to experiment with underglaze and slip decoration, and glazing. Work finished early in the week will be glaze-fired to cone 6; work completed later in the week will be bisque-fired.

This intensive workshop focuses on thinking, forming, and exploring new possibilities with utilitarian pottery. The guest artist, Chef Barclay Dodge, discusses presentation, creative decision-making, and seasonal influences, sharing a menu to inspire participants in the creation of tableware. Studio work and firings culminate in a multi-course meal—served on the dishes we make in the workshop — at the acclaimed Aspen restaurant Bosq. Demonstrations, discussions, and presentations focus on personal expression in pottery as it moves between both service and display.

Experience the meditative process of coiling delicate vessels in porcelain. During this one-week workshop, Joanne teaches how to effectively roll thin coils and use them to build basic forms. Participants gain confidence and skills, working up to complex forms, including the elegant Moon Jar. Students can expect to leave with new, refined skills to continue practicing in their home studios. Though the focus of this workshop is practice, students leave with some finished and some bisqued work. The workshop is for anyone who has taken beginner workshops or has had some experience with clay.

Anderson Ranch’s January Studio Sessions provide artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving 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 some morning group demonstrations and / or critiques. 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. *Studios are open 24 hours a day and on weekends for students enrolled in multiple weeks, with limited use of equipment due to safety requirements. There are no staff hours or kiln-firing on weekends. IMPORTANT DETAILS: Students will be responsible for all material costs associated with their projects. Private dorm rooms are available at Anderson Ranch for an additional fee; click here to view January 2027 lodging options. Breakfasts and dinners are included in the dorm fee. Lunches are included in the studio fees. TO APPLY: Applicants must submit project proposals or portfolios for approval. Contact Betsy Alwin to apply: [email protected]