Join an intimate group to explore the history
and ceramics from the Desert Southwest. Using
only traditional materials from the Four Corners
area, students will be guided through the process
of replicating Ancestral Puebloan pottery. Each
participant will hand build a collection of forms
and be instructed on how to build, slip, polish,
and paint their pots. The workshop includes a
visit to a local museum to get a closer look at excavated
pottery and speak with an expert on prehistoric
ceramics. Our work culminates with a trench
firing of the pots we’ve created together.
No previous clay experience necessary to enjoy
this hands-on experience.
Cost: $575 for first time students and
$475 for returning students.
Cost includes all materials you’ll need to make at least two to three pots.
The workshop includes a group visit to the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico. The Maxwell holds more than 4,500 partial or complete archaeological ceramic vessels and figurines, along with millions of ceramic sherds, dating from at least as far back as 3000 B.C. through the historic period. The Museum is best known for its Southwestern collection. This opportunity to view the extensive ceramics collection will fuel our learning and inspire our creations.
BOB CASIAS
Bob graduated with a degree in Anthropology and participated in excavations on
the Dolores Archaeological Project in the early 1980’s where he first encountered
Mesa Verde pottery. Bob has had his hands in clay since high school and studied
under Clint Swink to understand the hand building and firing techniques that
reproduce the extraordinary art forms that originated with the early potters of the
Southwest. He has been recreating these designs for over 20 years and welcomes
the interest of new students to this amazing art form.
JEFF OSGOOD
Jeff has worked with clay since 1997 and came to replica pottery-making through
his passion and explorations of the canyons and mesas of the Colorado Plateau.
As an educator, Jeff has led trips to Four Corners region and guided a variety of
students through the pottery replica process.
Bob Casias: potteryoftheancients@gmail.com
(505) 670-1205
Jeff Osgood : jeff.osgood@watershedschool.org
(720) 341-5394