An exhibition of work from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design course...

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

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