Ceramics
Code: C1418-23
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II
Level II
Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques, such as throwing and hand building. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
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III
Level III
Students have significant experience with clay forming techniques, such as throwing, hand building and modeling. Students are comfortable with ceramics equipment, such as wheels, extruders and slab rollers. Students are self-starting with some formal training and have taken a minimum of three classes or workshops.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skills and knowledge of the ceramics field. Students are highly motivated, have a minimum of five years experience in the field and have a portfolio of their artwork. Typical students are academics and professional artists.
Ceramic Furniture and Design
Sep 4 - 15, 2023
9AM-5PM
Concept
Through the designing and building process in this workshop, students conceptualize the objects within the home, discovering the inner complexities and structural components to building large-scale utilitarian pieces. From side tables and stools to lamps and bookshelves, students work through the design process from conception to completion using sketches and maquettes, calculating shrinkage, and exercising patience in the various stages of wet working clay. Students walk away with a better understanding of how and when to implement interior structures, how to combine coil and slab techniques, and the extensive start-to-finish process of working on large-scale utilitarian design objects
Media
Large-scale handbuilding, stoneware, firing to cone 6, electric kiln, gas kiln
Supply ListFaculty
Kelsie Rudolph
Kelsie Rudolph received her MFA from Montana State University and a BFA from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and has completed residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Tainan National University of the Arts, Red Lodge Clay Center, and at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China. She is currently a long-term resident at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT.
Kelsie Rudolf, Table Stack
Join Waitlist for Ceramic Furniture and Design
Thank you for your interest in the waitlist. When space in a workshop or program becomes available, registration will open on the website. Everyone on the waitlist will be emailed to alert them of the opening. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to register for the workshop or program.
Ceramics
In 1966, American raku ceramicist Paul Soldner selected the site for what is now Anderson Ranch Arts Center, forming the foundation for a thriving ceramics program. Then and now, Anderson Ranch is a place where students exchange ideas and examine ceramic art and pottery-making techniques. It has always been a place where seminal moments of growth happen in an artist’s creative and critical thinking. Here, both beginning and emerging artists gain strong fundamental support, while established artists achieve new perspectives and advance their techniques.
The Ranch Ceramics team provides support, feedback and technical problem solving, giving each artist the freedom to experiment and grow. Our primary focus is on personal advancement through a process of creative discovery. We also offer community engagement through events like our Locals’ Clubs “Circle of Fire” where artists engage with the Ranch outside of the workshop setting.
The Soldner Ceramics Center makes up more than 10,000 square feet in three buildings. The Lyeth/Lyon kiln building is equipped with gas, electric, soda and wood kilns for both oxidation and reduction firings at all temperature ranges. The Ranch offers three wood kilns, four gas reduction kilns, one soda kiln and eleven high-temperature electric kilns.
Anderson Ranch is happy to extend a 20% tuition discount* in summer one- or two-week adult workshops for NCECA members. Please email reg@
Workshop Details
Supply List
Many of the items you'll need are available in the ArtWorks Store. Please click "View Full Supply List" to see a comprehensive list of items you'll need for this workshop.
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
The Ranch Café meal plan that is included with Room and Board fees strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. The meal plan includes 5 days of continental breakfasts that will include a hot offering, 5 lunches with a selection of offerings, and 5 dinners.
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
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III
Level III
Students have significant experience with clay forming techniques, such as throwing, hand building and modeling. Students are comfortable with ceramics equipment, such as wheels, extruders and slab rollers. Students are self-starting with some formal training and have taken a minimum of three classes or workshops.
-
IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skills and knowledge of the ceramics field. Students are highly motivated, have a minimum of five years experience in the field and have a portfolio of their artwork. Typical students are academics and professional artists.
Sep 9 - 20, 2024
9AM - 5PM
Studio, Farm, Table: The Art of Dining
Alleghany Meadows, Barclay Dodge
Tuition $1,550
Code C1519-24
This intensive workshop is led by Alleghany and focuses on refining techniques and learning new possibilities with utilitarian pots. Guest chef Barclay Dodge discusses the presentation, creative decision-making and seasonal influences. Studio work and firings culminate in a multi-course meal served at the chef’s acclaimed Aspen restaurant, Bosq. There are lectures on historical and contemporary ceramics, professional development, and social outreach. Demonstrations, discussions, and presentations focus on pottery as it functions in both service and display.
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I
Level I
Students are new to ceramics and have no formal training.
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II
Level II
Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques, such as throwing and hand building. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
Sep 9 - 20, 2024
9AM - 5PM
Face Your Fears: Discovering Bold New Forms
Sam Harvey
Tuition $1,450
Code C1520-24
In this fun and experimental workshop, students learn the principles of clay construction, the fundamentals of aesthetics, and how to take important risks that expand their studio practice. Students are encouraged to work through a number of ideas by creating numerous pieces, making maquettes and studies to discover new bold directions in sculptural form. The course focuses on how shape, volume, and line contribute to the beauty of an object. Deriving form from slab, coil, and press-mold techniques, students explore all the orientations that forms can take, including work for the wall, table, and floor. Working with mid-range clay bodies, we explore a variety of textures and finishes, including color slips and various glazes.
Jan 6 - 24, 2025
Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
Participants may register for one, two, or three weeks
TUITION is $1,110 per week or $3,300 for three weeks
January Studio Sessions: Ceramics
Joanne Seongweon Lee
Tuition $1,110
Code ZSC0101-25
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. The machine rooms are only available when monitored – weekdays 9 AM-5 PM. Evening monitoring hours are Mondays - Thursdays, 7 – 9 PM. 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 January 2025 lodging options. TO APPLY: Applicants must submit project proposals or portfolios for approval. Contact Betsy Alwin to apply: [email protected]