Ceramics
Code: C0708-24
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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.
Exploring Forms: Hand-Building
Jul 15 - 26, 2024
9AM - 5PM
Concept
Hand-building and coil-building are essential pottery-making techniques that offer infinite possibilities for creating unique forms. Takuro and Hitomi’s experience at Shigaraki provided them with valuable knowledge of various forming methods. In this workshop, Takuro and Hitomi demonstrate how to effectively make and handle coils, as well as how to connect the coils at the right timing. The workshop also discusses the importance of the drying process and how to carve and shape the clay to create unique vessel forms. The workshop’s goal is to inspire participants to explore the endless possibilities of hand-building techniques and incorporate them into their own practice.
Media & Techniques
Handbuilding, stoneware, porcelain, wood firing, gas reduction, cone 10,
Supply ListFaculty
Takuro Shibata
Takuro and Hitomi Shibata are ceramicists from Shigaraki, Japan, now living in Seagrove, NC. Takuro earned BE in Applied Chemistry and is director of STARworks Ceramics. Hitomi earned BEd & MEd degrees in ceramic art. They are members of the International Academy of Ceramics, and co-authored Wild Clay in 2022.
Hitomi Shibata
Takuro and Hitomi Shibata are ceramicists from Shigaraki, Japan, now living in Seagrove, NC. Takuro earned BE in Applied Chemistry and is director of STARworks Ceramics. Hitomi earned BEd & MEd degrees in ceramic art. They are members of the International Academy of Ceramics, and co-authored Wild Clay in 2022.
Takuro Shibata, Triangle Jar
Join Waitlist for Exploring Forms: Hand-Building
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 20% tuition discount* in summer one- or two-week adult ceramics workshops for NCECA members. Please email reg@
Workshop Details
Workshop Supplies
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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Jan 6 - 24, 2025
Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
Participants may register for one, two, or three weeks
TUITION is $1,110 per week or $3,300 for three weeks
January Studio Sessions: Ceramics
Joanne Seongweon Lee
Tuition $1,110
Code ZSC0101-25
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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O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Jun 2 - 6, 2025
9AM-5PM
Blue and White Tradition: Paint with the Conscious and Subconscious Mind
Sin-ying Ho, Philip Reed
Tuition $1,390
Code C0102-25
Join us in the exploration of historic and contemporary techniques of blue and white porcelain painting. Originating in the Yuan Dynasty and flourishing in the Ming Dynasty, this artform continues to thrive in China. The workshop examines the influence of both the conscious and subconscious mind on design, blending Eastern and Western concepts. Ho teaches traditional Chinese blue and white painting techniques using cobalt underglaze, while Reed showcases contemporary methods including glaze and underglaze painting, 4D design, digital decal transfer, and innovative re-firing and reglazing techniques. This workshop is ideal for artists and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their porcelain painting skills.
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I
Level I
Students are new to ceramics and have no formal training.
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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.
Jun 9 - 20, 2025
9AM-5PM
Work and Play: Expressions in Clay
Minsoo Yuh
Tuition $1,910
Code C0203-25
This workshop focuses on creating utilitarian pots through various methods including wheel throwing, slab building, and coiling. Firing is with gas reduction at high temperature. Students explore various slip application techniques, including brushing, pouring, inlaying, stamping, and carving. Emphasizing creativity and experimentation, participants learn how to use these methods to express their unique artistic voices in clay and surface. Some experience with basic wheel-throwing and working with clay is recommended. This class offers the opportunity to enhance your skills, deepen your understanding of clay, and discover new ways to express yourself through ceramics.