The Brutal and the Delicate: Steel Combined with Soft Materials

This intensive workshop is an introduction to Rhinoceros 3D modeling software, 3D printing, multi-part rubber mold making, and plastic casting. Participants will create 3D printed parts for casting and explore the possibilities of material transformation. During the workshop we discuss the role of computer 3D modeling, 3D output, mold making, and casting as it relates to industry as well as an individual studio practice. This workshop is structured to provide a productive and successful environment for students with no previous experience with Rhinoceros software, 3D printing, or exposure to rubber mold making and casting.

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]

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]