Ceramics
Code: VFC5004-25
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
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Virtual Workshop
Virtual Workshop, learn from the comfort of your own home.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Resonate Form: Designing and Building Ceramic Sound Sculptures
Dec 13, 2025
9:00AM MST
1PM ART, December 13th
All Virtual Ceramics Workshops are 2-2.5 hours long
Concept
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of aerophone sounds and ceramic sculpture. This workshop is designed for both beginner and advanced artists to learn techniques for creating works that engage both the ear and the eye. Discover how to generate a variety of sounds through the design and construction of unique ceramic sculptural forms inspired by ancient pre-Hispanic cultures.
During the session, we focus on the sculptural modeling of forms and figures. We begin with a globular vessel as the initial module, using the pinch-and-pressure modeling technique. We then delve into the world of aerophones by designing a sound system within our sculptures.
Participants learn how the shape and size of the resonating chamber will influence the resulting sound, giving the artwork symbolic and aesthetic meaning. Join us for this unique experience where ceramics and sound merge to create a piece that resonates with your senses and emotions.
This workshop meets virtually via Zoom Video Conferencing software (downloadable for free from Zoom.com) and will be conducted in Spanish, with live, real-time English translation included. Review our Virtual Ceramics Workshop Welcome Guide to learn more about the workshop details.
*Please note that registration will close on December 12th at 5pm. Only workshop participants will have access to the recording for 60 days.
Faculty
Julieta Bilbao
Julieta Bilbao and Martín Gastón Merlos, Argentine artists, have been exploring sound ceramics for 15 years. Their project, Nómada Cerámica, fuses ancestral techniques with a contemporary approach. Traveling internationally, they are dedicated to researching and sharing these techniques with the world. They have collaborated with prominent institutions and conducted over 400 events, including conferences, workshops, and concerts in Latin America and Europe since 2017. Through sound sculptural objects, they unite past and present, creating an aesthetic and sacred language that encompasses ceramics, sculpture, music, anthropology, and archaeology.
Martín Gastón Merlos
Julieta Bilbao and Martín Gastón Merlos, Argentine artists, have been exploring sound ceramics for 15 years. Their project, Nómada Cerámica, fuses ancestral techniques with a contemporary approach. Traveling internationally, they are dedicated to researching and sharing these techniques with the world. They have collaborated with prominent institutions and conducted over 400 events, including conferences, workshops, and concerts in Latin America and Europe since 2017. Through sound sculptural objects, they unite past and present, creating an aesthetic and sacred language that encompasses ceramics, sculpture, music, anthropology, and archaeology.
Workshop Details>
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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Portfolio Review Required
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.
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Facilitated Studio Practice
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Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
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January Studio Sessions: Ceramics
Joanne Lee
Tuition $3,765
Code ZSC0101-26
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]
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Level I
Students are new to ceramics and have no formal training.
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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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Code C0101-26
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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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Level III
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Code C0202-26
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