Ceramics
Code: C0303-22
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Form and Metaphor in Pots of Purpose
Jun 20 - Jul 1, 2022
9AM-5PM
Concept
This workshop provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their individual artistic voice using the material vocabulary of form, function, color and surface to create work that can evoke emotion, deliver poetic metaphor, make connections to cultural histories and resonate sentiment. Utilitarian ceramic objects are landmarks of the physical, emotional and relational topographies we use to navigate our lived stories around food, self and each other. As thoughtful makers, students consider the larger purposes served by their work, incorporating layers of meaning. Students are not just making bowls to hold soup–they build receptive space into experience, to find moments of compassion and generosity in a handheld vessel. Students refine their works through dialogue, drawings and writings while exploring methods such as pinching, coiling, throwing and altering, solid prototyping, press molding and reductive shaping. Special attention is given to the development of color and surface qualities through creative glaze chemistry experiments that are grounded in scientific methodology, but driven by artistic intuition.
Media
Pottery, wheel-throwing, hand-building, mid-range porcelain, glazes, electric fire to cone 6
Supply ListFaculty

Gwendolyn Yoppolo
Gwendolyn Yoppolo transforms perception by creating ceramic objects and multisensory food events. She earned an MFA from Penn State, an MA from Columbia University, and a BA in Sociology from Haverford College. A passionate educator, writer and researcher as well as a maker, Gwendolyn is currently Associate Professor of Ceramics at Kutztown University.

Gwendolyn Yoppolo, Bone Bowl
Join Waitlist for Form and Metaphor in Pots of Purpose
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.

Ceramic Glazing Brushes & Tools

Ceramic Tool Kit

Metal rib

Notebook

Writing Utensil
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.
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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