The Center: Object Design and Architecture

In this workshop, Tortora demonstrates various ways to incorporate concrete in mixed media sculpture using constructive, modeling, and basic casting approaches. We discuss how to use concrete to redistribute weight and visually defy gravity; anchoring into concrete for stable joinery; techniques for modeling concrete onto wood, foam, or other substrates; and using everyday materials like clay, cardboard, or plywood to create basic intuitive molds to generate forms. Students experiment with different cement mixes for more lightweight or eco-friendly blends. Participants leave the workshop with a basic working knowledge and skill set that can be easily replicated with economical materials and workspace.

The embodiment of human expression and mimicry, marionettes have historically captivated the imagination through their theatrical and allegorical power. This workshop guides participants through the process of designing, constructing, and presenting a marionette doll using personal stories and a variety of materials and processes such as wood, metal, 3D printing, and found objects.

Engage with two of Anderson Ranch’s exceptional studios—Furniture Design and Sculpture—in this interdisciplinary session. Participants will have access to both the metal and the Maloof Wood Barn machine shop, enabling the creation of mixed media furniture or sculptural objects. The session encourages the integration of diverse processes, including metal sand casting, inlay, welding, metal patination, lighting, and traditional wood joinery, fostering innovation across materials and techniques. Participants may also choose to work exclusively in the wood shop or the sculpture studio. Studio Sessions at Anderson Ranch Studio Sessions at Anderson Ranch provide artists with a unique opportunity to pursue independent projects while receiving personalized mentorship and critique from Anderson Ranch artistic staff and interns. Each participant is assigned a dedicated studio space and receives an orientation, access to specialized equipment, and opportunities for group demonstrations and/or critiques. Artists may choose to register for either a one-week or two-week session. This program reflects the experience of nationally and internationally recognized artists who work in our state-of-the-art facilities. Studio Sessions offer an ideal environment to expand your practice, explore new media, take creative risks, or complete work for exhibition. Studio Access and Hours Studios are open 24 hours a day; however, access to machines and equipment is limited due to safety requirements. Machine rooms are only available during monitored hours: weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and evenings Monday through Thursday from 7 to 9 PM. IMPORTANT DETAILS: Participants are responsible for all material costs associated with their projects. Some materials with a limited supply will be available for purchase in the studios. Studio Sessions are available to artists with prior experience with tools and safety. All participants will be required to attend safety orientations for the facilities and specific tools they will use. Participants are expected to be self-directed in the development of their projects. Each participant can anticipate receiving approximately one hour per day of focused individual guidance and instruction from Anderson Ranch staff. TO APPLY: Applicants must submit project proposals and portfolios for approval. Applicants who wish to access either the woodshop, the metal sculpture facilities, or both must have prior machine operation experience in the respective studios. Portfolios will be accepted on a rolling basis. Instructions on how to submit your portfolio are as follows: • Submit digital images of your work in one single PDF (as opposed to individual JPG attachments) via email directly to Betsy Alwin, Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media at [email protected] • The single PDF must be less than 10 MB to be considered. • Please send a short paragraph of how you plan to use the studio session time listing your goals and techniques. • Include 3-8 images of your work with image identification that lists the title, media, dimensions and year of each image. • While not required, it is helpful to see an artist statement addressing the images you send. • Include “Advanced Portfolio Review” in the subject line of your email, as well as the studio session you are applying for. • Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website. • Submissions that do not follow these guidelines will not be reviewed. Please address all questions to [email protected]