guest artist workshops

Samuel Johnson
Wood Fire Workshop

May 15-21, 2023


​Samuel will lead a 6 day wood fire workshop during which we will explore reduction cooling techniques. Potters will arrive with bisqued pieces. We will spend the (Monday, day 1) first day discussing and applying slips and glazes while considering their relationship with reduction cooling effects in the kiln. We will discuss wadding techniques with attention to how the pots will sit in the kiln and how wadding can affect firing results. (Tuesday, day 2) we will load the kiln and continue our discussion of wadding effects. We will load in a way to increase clay effects – stacking, firing upside down, putting works in relationship to other works. We will use a (special) fire clay wadding, fired wads, sand, and other materials to enhance loading (preheat kiln). . (Wednesday-Thursday 3-4)We'll fire the kiln in shifts for 20-30 hours. 
While the kiln cools, we will work together and discuss ideas and philosophy around making. Sam will share his thoughts and techniques born of his acknowledgment that clay and fire are both irregular and natural - at once comprehendible and wild. We will explore this mystery together in conversation and real-time making.  Students can bring clay or use up to 25 lbs of ^10 from the studio. Students can choose to take damp pots home or bisque fire at the studio for an additional charge.  
On (day 7) we will unload the kiln and discuss our results. We will also conduct a general clean up of the kiln area before check out and departure. 

This workshop offers lodging -- a stay in our comfy guesthouse, where artists will share a kitchen and bathroom. Artists are asked to bring food for their meals. We will enjoy some meals together, potluck style. The studio will provide a celebratory dinner on the last night of the workshop. Please share food preferences and/or plan to provide an entree that serves special dietary needs. 
Please visit the Guesthouse page for details about what to expect as an overnight guest. 
There is also an option at checkout for daytime students.
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About Samuel:
Samuel Johnson was born on the Eastern prairie of the Red River Valley in 1973. After studying painting and ceramics at the University of Minnesota at Morris, he served a three and half year apprenticeship in pottery under Richard Bresnahan. In 2000, he was invited as a guest of Denmark’s Design School to study Scandinavian Ceramic design in Copenhagen; while also working at Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center,  and as an assistant in private porcelain studios. After working for a short period in a studio in New York, he traveled to Japan as a studio guest of Koie Ryoji. In 2005, Johnson earned graduate degrees in fine art from the University of Iowa. He is currently an Associate Professor of Art at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in Central Minnesota and serves on the Board of Directors of Artaxis.org. 
http://www.samuel-johnson.com/

Diane Sullivan
What Dreams Are In Your Head?
​July 28-30, 2023

At long last Diane Sullivan is back with us in this often sold out workshop where we will learn to make our dreams come true!

​​Come with your sketchbook and an open mind. While learning easy hand building techniques, you will create a small head. We will incorporate our dreams and fantasies. Surfaces using slips, underglaze and dry clay powders will be explored. This is a chance to learn techniques, go deep and feel comfortable with expressing your dreams. Some clay experience helpful, but not necessary.


Questions to ponder before the workshop: In your travel dreams; Where are you? What places fictional or non-fictional do you dream of visiting? Are you a Super hero, an animal, flying around? When people see you, what do they see? How do you want to be seen?

Six participants are needed for this workshop to run, in which case a full refund will be given. Please see the Cancellation Policy.

Diane Sullivan lives in North Adams, MA. She has a BFA and a MFA in Ceramics .Her
sculptures have been shown in group and solo gallery shows in the US and France. Most
recently she was awarded a Martha Boschen Porter Fund artist grant which enabled her to
travel to Sicily. This trip provided a chance to study ancient Greek sculptures and has
influenced her art and dreams.
Website: dianesullivanceramics.org
Instagram: Dianeama

Ian Hazard-Bill
Wood Fire Workshop

​August 8-14, 2023

In this week-long workshop we’ll cover all the steps and techniques to firing a catenary arch wood fired kiln, specific approaches to surface decoration for wood firing using slips, glazes and wadding marks, and throwing and altering techniques demonstrated while the kiln is cooling. The first day of the workshop will be spent decorating bisqueware students will bring for the firings. We will discuss the effects of wood ash on the clay and glazes, approaches and philosophies for surface decoration in wood kilns, wadding strategies, and Ian will demonstrate his slip, glaze, and wadding techniques. The second day will be spent loading the kiln, carefully arranging each piece to create dynamic airflow for flashing patterns, and even ash and heat distribution, this is an important and creative aspect of the wood firing process. Once the kiln is lit students will fire the kiln rotating in shifts with support and instruction from Ian and Jackie. We will fire the kiln for roughly 40hrs allowing for more ash build up, longer reduction periods and a longer soak at cone 10-11 temperatures. The results will hopefully be quite dramatic with flowing natural ash glazes and rich dynamic flashing patterns. 

    Following the firing there will be 2 days of demonstrations and discussions led by Ian while the kiln is allowed to cool. Ian's demonstrations will cover throwing techniques for making taller forms, dry shaping, sectional throwing, making handles, lids and spouts, and altering thrown forms at various stages of dryness. Students will learn a lot of tricks for throwing and altering to make larger and more dynamic forms. Through the discussions we’ll explore ideas and philosophies around art, making, throwing and altering that will encourage new perspectives and explorations in the studio. 
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This workshop offers lodging -- a stay in our comfy guesthouse, where artists will share a kitchen and bathroom. Artists are asked to bring to bring food for their meals. We will enjoy some meals together, potluck style. The studio will provide a celebratory dinner on the last night of the workshop. Please share food preferences and/or plan to provide an entree that serves special dietary needs. 
Please visit the Guesthouse page for details about what to expect as an overnight guest. 
There is also an option at checkout for daytime students.
Workshop Cancelation policy:
full refund until 60 days before start date.
50% refund 30 days before start date.
No refund after 30 days before start date unless participant finds replacement. 
BEDE CLARKE the painted pot June 11,12 2022
DIANE SULLIVAN TEEN WORKSHOP June 26,27, 2021
DIANE SULLIVAN WORKSHOP February 7-9,2020
DIANE SULLIVAN WORKSHOP September 13-15,2019
Adam Field June 9-13, 2019
DIANE SULLIVAN WORKSHOP APRIL 26-28, 2019 ​
(SM)ART OF THE BOWL February, 2019
April-May, 2019 Teens 6 week
Feb. 19-22, 2018 February Claycation for kids! ​
Brian Jones Oct.7-8, 2017
George McCauley WorkshopMay 6-7, 2017 
Sean Rowe Forage and Feast May, 2016 . A Saturday foraging class with eats made from our backyard finds. 
Spring 2016 Adult clay classes 
Summer 2016 Adult clay classes
Fall 2016 Adult clay classes
Feb. 20-24, 2017 February Claycation for kids!