Kyle Johns' playful works involve the precision found in high quality mold making and slip casting, while embracing the spontaneity of a keyless mold system. Unlike the repetition of industry’s use of slip casting, Kyle's molds are interchangeable allowing for each piece to be one of a kind. His technique of applying colored slip to plaster molds then binding them together for casting larger objects is a performance in itself. Participants will be encouraged to try their hand at layering colored casting slip onto plaster bats. This workshop is one in a series of three sessions in February with Ceramics Program 2019-20 Artists In Residence. 

Artist Bio: Kyle Johns found his passion for working with clay at Oakton Community College. Kyle then transferred to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) where he began studying under Paul Dresang and Matt Wilt. Following undergraduate, Kyle received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University, studying with Brad Schwieger, Tom Bartel, Alex Hibbitt, and Chuck Mcweeny. While at Ohio University, Kyle participated in a six week residency at The International Ceramics Center in Kecskemet, Hungary. Kyle also was a studio assistant at Arrowmont School for the Arts and Crafts, returning several times as a workshop assistant. Kyle has been a resident at both Red Lodge Clay Center and the Archie Bray Foundation.... Read more about Kyle Johns Artist-In-Residence Workshop

Explore a new way of thinking about the technique of pinching clay and a philosophy of making that asks us all to slow down and be present with both material and process. Paul Briggs’ unique technique is pinching expressive vessels out of a single ball of clay, using no additional clay. Briggs will walk participants through a basic version of his technique using a ball of clay. This workshop is one in a series of three sessions in February with Ceramics Program 2019-20 Artists In Residence. 

Artist Bio: Paul Briggs grew up in the Hudson Valley of Newburgh, NY taking his first ceramics class in 9^th grade. He eventually landed at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Paul is an artist-teacher with balanced training in Ceramics, Sculpture, and Education. He earned an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art, an MSED from Alfred University and a PhD in Art Education/Educational Theory and Policy from the Pennsylvania State University. He’s taught all educational levels and various contexts including the Penland and Haystack Schools of Craft. Recently he was awarded a South Eastern Minnesota Arts Council Grant for the installation, Cell Persona: The Impact of Incarceration on Black Lives. Paul is an Associate Professor of Art Education at MassArt.... Read more about Paul Briggs Artist-In-Residence Workshop

Using both thrown and handbuilt techniques, Ruth Easterbrook will demonstrate making her warm and inviting utilitarian ware. The artist will discuss her inspiration for her surface design using both natural florals and interpreted botanicals seen in artmaking throughout history. Participants will observe how she plans and executes her complex surfaces using tape, wax resist and glaze and then try their hand using a tile. This workshop is one in a series of three sessions in February with Ceramics Program 2019-20 Artists In Residence. 

Artist Bio: Ruth Easterbrook (b. 1984) received her BFA in Ceramics from Syracuse University in 2007. Afterward, she apprenticed and assisted various ceramic artists and studios. She has shown work nationally at places such as Baltimore Clayworks and Carbondale Clay Center. A turning point in her personal growth took place while participating in an eight-week concentration at Penland School of Craft in 2014.  Anderson Ranch Arts Center has been an important place of learning for Ruth, spending extensive time there as a student, then summer intern and returning as the Artist in Residence in 2016. Most recently she earned her MFA in ceramics at Alfred University in 2019.... Read more about Ruth Easterbrook Artist-In-Residence Workshop

Susan O’Byrne was born and grew up in Cork, Ireland. In 1991 she received a Certificate with Merit from the Grennan Mill Craft School in Co. Kilkenny. From there she moved to Scotland and the Edinburgh College of Art, graduating in 1999 with a First Class Honours...

Amy Mackle is an Irish ceramic maker who creates predominantly large scale installations using coloured porcelains, earthenware clays and found materials. Her work is inspired by her sense of place, the...