Ceramics
Code: C1519-23
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Design Decisions
Sep 11 - 22, 2023
9AM-5PM
Concept
This workshop explores methods and techniques involved in making altered pots. What happens to simple forms with the addition of handles and spouts? How can we contribute to the presence of a piece and not inadvertently take away from it? How do rims and feet work together? These questions and more are addressed through the pitcher, mug, soy bottle, and bowl. Students look at decisions made in the creative process—by choice or by default—that affect the expressive qualities of functional pottery. Through discussion, demonstration, and slide presentation, the workshop offers a close look at the expressive language of clay and encourages a playful exploration of form.
Please note that Ralph Scala and JJ Peet have replaced Ellen Shankin as the instructor.
Media
Stoneware, wheel throwing, reduction gas firing to cone 10
Supply ListFaculty

Ralph Scala
Ralph Scala maintains a studio in Santa Fe, NM, where he produces paintings, sculpture, and functional ceramics. From 2000 to 2016, Ralph consecutively served as studio director at Lillstreet Studios, Santa Fe Clay, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center. He received a BA in painting and sculpture from Evergreen State College. His work can be found in private collections in the US, Mexico, and Japan.

JJ Peet
JJ Peet earned his MFA from Yale University School of Art. He is currently a lecturer in sculpture at Columbia University and a ceramics teacher at the 92nd Street Y. His work has been featured in Artforum, Art in America, Bomb, Frieze, Modern Painters, The New Yorker, and TimeOut, among numerous other publications, and has been the subject of solo exhibitions in the US and France.

Join Waitlist for Design Decisions
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 register online and then email reg@andersonranch.org with your membership information and we will make the adjustment once you are in the system. You are also welcome to call 970-924-5089 to register. *Please note that the NCECA discount does not apply to The Center / Advanced Mentored Studies program, nor can it be combined with any other discount, scholarship or special offer.
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. There is no housing or meals available for Fall Studio Sessions Studio Practice programs.
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.
Health & Safety
Beginning February 2023, Anderson Ranch will no longer require proof of Covid-19 vaccination for studio and artistic program participants. For your own safety as well as the safety of our community, we highly encourage all program participants to be up to date with their vaccinations for COVID-19 as well as the flu vaccine. We also encourage you to carry health and traveler’s insurance.

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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Monday - Thursday 9AM-5PM
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Tuition $800
Code ZFC-23
Are you looking for a space to ignite your creativity or finish an ongoing project? Join our Fall Studio Sessions at Anderson Ranch, where you’ll have the time, space, and support to expand your artistic practice. This program welcomes artists of all backgrounds and provides dedicated studio space, access to our multifaceted facilities, and the guidance of our talented staff. Engaging group discussions are included to inspire your creativity. Take this opportunity to join our artistic community and let your creativity flourish this fall. *Studios are open 24 hours a day with limited use of equipment due to safety requirements. The machine rooms are only available when monitored – Monday – Thursday 9 AM-5 PM, and Mondays and Wednesdays 7 PM-9 PM. IMPORTANT DETAILS: Students will be responsible for all material costs associated with their projects. There is no on-campus housing or meals available for this Fall program. Participants who register for consecutive weeks will gain additional access to their studio from Friday through Sunday. This additional studio time will not include access to the machine rooms due to safety constraints nor are Ranch staff available for support on those days. To participate, discuss your project goals and/or submit a portfolio to Visiting Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media Betsy Alwin at balwin@andersonranch.org.

Jan 8 - 26, 2024
Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
Participants may register for one, two, or three weeks.
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January Studio Sessions: Ceramics
Joanne Seongweon Lee
Tuition $1,050
Code ZSC0101-24
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; please inquire for details and availability. Applicants must submit project proposals or portfolios for approval. Contact Betsy Alwin to apply: balwin@andersonranch.org