Clay Camp: Hand Building for Teens

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of aerophone sounds and ceramic sculpture. This workshop is designed for both beginner and advanced artists to learn techniques for creating works that engage both the ear and the eye. Discover how to generate a variety of sounds through the design and construction of unique ceramic sculptural forms inspired by ancient pre-Hispanic cultures. During the session, we focus on the sculptural modeling of forms and figures. We begin with a globular vessel as the initial module, using the pinch-and-pressure modeling technique. We then delve into the world of aerophones by designing a sound system within our sculptures. Participants learn how the shape and size of the resonating chamber will influence the resulting sound, giving the artwork symbolic and aesthetic meaning. Join us for this unique experience where ceramics and sound merge to create a piece that resonates with your senses and emotions. This workshop meets virtually via Zoom Video Conferencing software (downloadable for free from Zoom.com) and will be conducted in Spanish, with live, real-time English translation included. Review our Virtual Ceramics Workshop Welcome Guide to learn more about the workshop details. *Please note that registration will close on December 12th at 5pm. Only workshop participants will have access to the recording for 60 days. 

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]

This class teaches unique pinch forming methods that resemble how clay is pulled up on the wheel. Through patience and practice, students learn how to achieve scale and bold form, and move beyond the usual 3" pinch-formed pot to pinch up to 5lbs of clay, growing a pot from one ball without adding or subtracting material. Creating both functional and sculptural objects, we engage in the merging of ideas and form, of merging inside and outside, and of subtle metaphor. Glazing and firing will be mid-range oxidation.