Ceramics
Code: C1013-23
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Tile Mania
Aug 7 - 18, 2023
9AM-5PM
Concept
Students explore the vast world of pattern development and tessellated tile forms in this jam-packed workshop. Workshop starts by developing prototypes, either sculpting by hand or utilizing CAD (Computer Aided Design) software programs. Crafted prototypes are used to make plaster molds that allow students to create multiple tile forms, generating conversations around surface selection, color theory, and visual perception as well as installation techniques. A wide range of processes are included in this fun and fast-paced workshop, which takes advantage of both the ceramics and digital fabrication studios.
Media & Techniques
Plaster, porcelain. Mold, slip casting, CAD software, firing to cone 6, electric kiln
Supply ListFaculty
Jackie Head
Jackie Head holds an MFA from the NYSCC at Alfred University and a BFA from Indiana University. She has been an artist-in-residence at the Archie Bray Foundation and the Morean Center for Clay. Jackie currently resides in Indianapolis, IN, where she maintains a private studio.
Jackie Head, Pink Tubes Green Plugs
Join Waitlist for Tile Mania
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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II
Level II
Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques, such as throwing and hand building. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
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III
Level III
Students have significant experience with clay forming techniques, such as throwing, hand building and modeling. Students are comfortable with ceramics equipment, such as wheels, extruders and slab rollers. Students are self-starting with some formal training and have taken a minimum of three classes or workshops.
Aug 25 - Sep 5, 2025
9AM-5PM
Patterned Vessels
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Tuition $1,910
Code C1317-25
This workshop focuses on how to develop intricate patterns on vessel forms. Demonstrations begin with wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques and quickly move into surface treatments using inlaid colored slips on greenware. Using these techniques as a foundation, students experiment with patterns to create multi-layered and creative surfaces. All work is made in cone 5 clays and glaze fired using a clear glaze in the electric kilns. Students are encouraged to bring sketches and source materials that relate to forms and patterns. Students can choose wheel-throwing and hand-building.
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II
Level II
Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques, such as throwing and hand building. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
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III
Level III
Students have significant experience with clay forming techniques, such as throwing, hand building and modeling. Students are comfortable with ceramics equipment, such as wheels, extruders and slab rollers. Students are self-starting with some formal training and have taken a minimum of three classes or workshops.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skills and knowledge of the ceramics field. Students are highly motivated, have a minimum of five years experience in the field and have a portfolio of their artwork. Typical students are academics and professional artists.
Sep 1 - 5, 2025
9AM-5PM
Summer Studio Session: Ceramics Week 1
Joanne Seongweon Lee
Tuition $1,285
Code C1419-25
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 student 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. Students 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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O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Sep 1 - 12, 2025
9AM-5PM
Explorations in Kiln-Formed Glass and Ceramics
*New Section*
Kelly Witmer
Tuition $2,010
Code C1424-25
This two week workshop is a deep dive into ways of manipulating glass in the kiln, exploring techniques such as fusing, slumping, draping, and casting. Students use hand building techniques to create ceramic forms which are then combined with glass to create sculptural or functional work. Through experimentation, they learn the basic rules of kiln-formed glass, making discoveries along the way.