Experience the vitality and camaraderie of atmospheric firing this winter in Anderson Ranch’s renowned kiln yard. We begin in the studios by making work, either hand-built or wheel-thrown, for soda firing and wood firing. Joanne Lee will demonstrate how to work with clay bodies, slips, and glazes tailored to various firing processes. Participants learn best practices for loading kilns and how to fire them. Open to all levels, this workshop is an opportunity to build skills and be immersed in a community of makers.

Anderson Ranch’s December Studio Sessions provide artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff. 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. *This studio session only accommodates work in drawing and painting. No other studios will be available for access. Painting and drawing studios are open 24 hours a day with limited use of equipment due to safety requirements. IMPORTANT DETAILS: Students will be responsible for all material costs associated with their projects. Participants who register for multiple consecutive weeks will gain access to the studios on weekends (with the exception of the machine rooms due to safety constraints.) Private dorm rooms are available at Anderson Ranch for one, two or three weeks for an additional fee; click here to view December 2025 lodging options.

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, Monday - Friday 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. Please include a short proposal of your goals, intentions, and how you will use your time in the studio session. Include processes, equipment, and finishes. This helps us understand how to best serve you and if we can accommodate your requests. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website, if you have one.