Anderson Ranch Arts Center Workshop Catalogs 2010-2014 | Page 10

CERAMICS
The Ceramics program provides a community in which to discuss, exchange
and make ceramic art and pottery. Students work in interactive studios shared with
other students and visiting faculty. Instructors emphasize personal growth and artistic
discovery, with finished pieces representing only a part of the process.
The Soldner Ceramics Center is comprised of more than 10,000 square feet in three
buildings. The Lyeth/Lyon kiln building is equipped with gas, electric and wood kilns
for both oxidation and reduction firings at all temperature ranges.
Instructor, Title (detail)

Instructor, Title (detail)

Michael Sherrill, Untitled 

CERAMICS SKILL LEVELS:
Open to all – Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Level I – Students are new to ceramics and have no formal training.
Level II – Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques such as throwing
and handbuilding. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
Level III – Students have significant experience with clay forming techniques such
as throwing, handbuilding 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.
Level IV – 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.
Contact Artistic Director Doug Casebeer with questions at 970/923-3181 x238.

June 6 - 17

Growing Sculpture: from clay

to metal 

Michael Sherrill
Skill Level: II - IV
CONCEPT:  This workshop focuses on conceptualizing and creating sculpture using ceramic
components with other materials such as
steel. There are two parts to the workshop:
the first week we work in the clay studio making clay objects to be incorporated into a larger
sculpture. The second week students work in
the sculpture studio making the backbone of
the sculptures, assembling and finishing our
work. This promises to be an exciting workshop with endless possibilities to expand artistic expression.
Media & Techniques: Porcelain oxidation fired
to cone 6, slips and glazes, and fabricated steel
rods; Michael’s technique of extruding and
forming clay, carving and embossing, and adding multiple layers of slip and glaze.
Activities:  Michael gives an introduction
to metals and covers bending, forming and
basic welding. Demonstrations are twice
daily including slide shows and extensive
individual instruction.
Faculty: Largely self-taught, Michael Sherrill’s
primary influences include the North Carolina
folk pottery tradition, the community surrounding Penland School of Crafts and the Southern
Highland Handicraft Guild. A frequent instructor at Penland, he has taught at craft schools
and workshops across the country. In 2002,
he was a featured presenter and lecturer at
the US Clay exhibition of the Renwick Gallery
of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
www.michaelsherrill.net

Tuition: $ / Studio Support Cost: $
Studio Fee: $ Code: Enrollment Limit 14

8 

www.anderso nranch .or g

970/923-3181

Tuition: $ / Studio Support Cost: $
Studio Fee: $ Code: Enrollment Limit 14
inf o@ande r s o n r a n c h . o r g

Tuition: $875 / Studio Support Cost: $1275
Studio Fee: $155 Code: C0101 Enrollment Limit 12