Ceramics
Code: C0303-24
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Cups, Stories and Empathy
Jun 17 - 21, 2024
9AM - 5PM
Concept
Thousands of years ago, potters made separate vessels to hold tears of joy and tears of sorrow. How can cups we make hold stories we wish to share? How can stories induce empathy? These questions and more are explored in dynamic ways. This workshop includes myriad demonstrations, from creating sgraffito images to pulled hollow handles, and include both throwing and hand building techniques. Every mark, shape, form, image, and color reminds us of something. With an open heart and a seeker’s spirit, all are welcome in this shared search for meaning.
Media & Techniques
Wheel throwing, handbuilding, sgraffito, newsprint transfer, photo lithography transfer, firing bisque 04
Supply ListFaculty
Chris Staley
Chris Staley is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Art at Penn State University. He was selected to be the Penn State Laureate for 2012-2013. In 2021 he received a NCECA Excellence in Teaching Award. Chris was once rejected to all the graduate MFA programs he applied to. His work is in many collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and friends’ cupboards.
Ashlyn Pope
Ashlyn Pope is a ceramic and textile artist of Gullah descent. Ashlyn’s work is centered around using collective and personal experiences of being an African American. Ashlyn earned her BFA from Kennesaw State University and her MFA at Penn State University. Currently, Ashlyn is a professor at Coastal Carolina University.
Chris Staley, Sublime Chaos
Join Waitlist for Cups, Stories and Empathy
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 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 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.
The Soldner Ceramics Center makes up more than 10,000 square feet in three buildings with 3 studio spaces and 1 kiln yard; Soldner Studio, Long Studio, Sorenson Studio and Lyeth/Lyon Kiln Building. Soldner and Long studios are used for wheel-throwing, hand-building, or general ceramics creativity. Sorenson studio is equipped with five PotterBot 3d clay printers. The Lyeth/Lyon kiln building is equipped with gas, electric, soda and wood kilns for both oxidation and reduction firing at all temperature ranges. The Ranch offers three wood kilns including a gas/wood hybrid kiln, three gas reduction kilns, one soda kiln and eleven high-temperature electric kilns.
Anderson Ranch is happy to extend a tuition discount* in summer one- or two-week adult ceramics workshops** for NCECA members at the student membership level or above. Please email reg@
Workshop Details
Workshop Supplies
For general information about studio access, shipping, and more, please visit our info page.
If you have any questions regarding your supplies for your workshop, please contact Joanne Seongweon Lee, [email protected].
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.
NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
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.
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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Code C1623-25
Anderson Ranch’s 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. 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 techniques or complete works for exhibition. *Studios are open 24 hours a day with limited use of equipment due to safety requirements. Applicants must submit project proposals or portfolios for approval. Contact Betsy Alwin, Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media to apply: [email protected]
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
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Code C4925-25
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
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Virtual Workshop
Virtual Workshop, learn from the comfort of your own home.
Dec 3, 2025
6:00PM MST
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Seeking a New Line: Experimenting with Form and Color in Ceramic Sculpture
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Tuition $60
Code VFC4901-25
Push the boundaries of form and color in ceramic sculpture with renowned Japanese artist En Iwamura. This workshop invites you to explore bold, large-scale ceramic forms while discovering innovative surface techniques that bring your work to life. Through En’s unique approach to coil building, you’ll learn how to design and construct large clay forms with confidence. Dive into his signature methods for painting on ceramic surfaces, where water and pigment interact to create rich, spontaneous bursts of color. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers invaluable tools, techniques, and inspiration to elevate your practice. From mastering best practices and gaining new technical skills to rethinking your creative process, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and a renewed excitement for making ceramic sculpture. This workshop meets virtually via Zoom Video Conferencing software (downloadable for free from Zoom.com). Review our Virtual Ceramics Workshop Welcome Guide to learn more about the workshop details.