Ceramics

Code: C0407-25

    • O

      Open to All

      Students of any skill and knowledge level.

    • Ages 13-17

Wheel Throwing for Teens

Jun 23 - 27, 2025

9AM-3PM

Concept

Discover the endless possibilities of clay through pottery’s many creative forms, including bowls, plates, cups, and mugs. This workshop, designed specifically for teens, introduces students to the potter’s wheel. Students start with centering the clay and work their way to the creation of forms. Students decorate their vessels with the Italian technique of maiolica, a white glaze that serves as a canvas for painting decoration.

Media & Techniques

Low fire clay, underglazes, potter’s wheel, clay tools, wheel throwing, trimming, cone 05 oxidation

Faculty

Molly Altman

Molly Altman began working in clay in her hometown of Amherst, MA and earned a BA in ceramics from Bennington College, VT. She has made work as a resident artist at Green River Pottery in Santa Fe, NM, Recipiente Estudio in Mexico City, and Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology Project in Loch Lomond, CA. She is a current artist-in-residence at the Carbondale Clay Center in Carbondale, CO.

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Student decorating work made in the Teen Wheel workshop, 2024

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 Arts Center is a historic, rustic campus that features gravel pathways and uneven terrain that may pose challenges for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. We strive to provide accommodations to ensure all guests can access and enjoy our programs and facilities. With advance notice, our staff can offer personalized assistance and coordinate access to studios and campus spaces. For questions or to request an accommodation, please contact us at (970) 923-3181 or [email protected].

Anderson Ranch is happy to extend a 20% tuition discount for summer one- or two-week adult ceramics workshops for NCECA members at the student membership level or above. Please email [email protected] with your NCECA membership information prior to registering and we will send you a promo code to complete registration with your discount applied. You are also welcome to call 970-924-5089 to register after verifying your membership with us. **Please note, this discount must be approved prior to registering and cannot be applied retroactively. NCECA discount does not apply to Advanced Mentored Studies programs or Destination Workshops, nor can it be combined with any other discount, scholarship or special offer. 

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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].

Provided by Anderson Ranch

Equipment
Supplies

What you need to bring

Required Tools and Supplies
Optional Tools and Supplies

* Available for purchase in the studio.
** Available to purchase at the Anderson Ranch ArtWorks Store for 10% off. The store aims to stock comparable items, though specific products from the supply list may vary based on inventory.
Learn more about shipping supplies and artwork to and from the Ranch in the Student Handbook.

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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