What shape does your personal guardian take? Whether it’s a mythical protector, terracotta warrior, or another full-bodied creature, ceramicist George Rodriguez will help you bring your vision to life in this multi-day workshop. Guided by photographs or drawings, participants will use basic slab and modeling techniques to make and assemble their guardians. George will lead group demos about continuous hollow construction, how to build in sections for smaller kilns, one-part plaster press molds for embellishments, and provide individualized instruction for each participant’s unique piece. Participants will take one medium-sized bisqued sculpture and some smaller pieces home.
In addition to this exciting workshop, Watershed will host an artist talk at 5:00 p.m. on May 9 with George that is free and open to the public.
Dates: May 9-13
Workshop Fee $650 (includes meals)
Materials Fee: $60
Optional Housing: $65/night double room; $90/night single room
REGISTER
About George
Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, TX, George Rodriguez creates highly ornamented, ceramic sculptures, often underlined by a connection to sociopolitical themes. His guardian figures, tomb sculptures, and installations, commemorate and build community. His most recent projects include a permanent installation at the new Kansas City International Airport, a community tile mural at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, and an outdoor public sculpture at CASA of Maryland, an immigration advocacy organization in Baltimore. His sculptures are part of the collections of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL; Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C., and the NationalMuseum in Stockholm, Sweden amongst others. Rodriguez holds a BFA from the University of Texas El Paso and an MFA from the University of Washington, Seattle. He is an Assistant Professor at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia.
Workshop Schedule
Daily Schedule:
Friday, May 9: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. artist talk in Commons
Saturday, May 10: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 11: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 12: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Please arrive at the Commons by 8:45 a.m. each day to grab breakfast; instruction begins in the studio at 9:00 a.m. The group will break for lunch at 12:30 p.m. Friday through Monday. Breakfast is the only meal served on Tuesday.
- Participants are responsible for their own dinner plans and can make use of the studio kitchenette for storing food and cooking. There are multiple dine-in and takeout options within driving distance from Watershed.
- Participants must agree to follow Watershed’s health & safety guidelines. Read them here.
What to Bring
- The materials fee includes:
- 50lbs sculpture clay
- 5lbs plaster
- Two 16″x16″ ware boards
- Underglaze
- Kiln Firing
- Participants must bring:
- Basic clay tools (wire tool, needle tool, flexible rib, serrated rib, sponge, knife, fork, other favorite tools)
- Rubber or wooden modeling tools
- Wooden paddle
- Plastic for covering work
- Brushes for underglaze
Housing & Meals
Watershed provides continental breakfast and self-serve lunch Friday through Monday. Breakfast is the only meal served on Tuesday. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets can be accommodated. Those with additional dietary needs are welcome to bring supplemental food to store and prepare in Watershed’s studio kitchenette.
Workshop participants make their own dinner arrangements. Various restaurants and take-out options are accessible via car.
On-Campus Housing
Watershed offers housing in single occupancy or double occupancy rooms furnished with twin beds. Single occupancy rooms are $90/night and double rooms are $65/night. Those who would like to reserve housing may do so with their registration.
Bathroom facilities are shared but can be used by one person at a time, much like a bathroom in a home. Participants must bring their own sheets, blankets, and bath towels. Pillows and mattress pads are provided.
Housing is limited; participants requesting housing and will be assigned rooms on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those arriving Thursday, the day before the workshop, should arrive between 2:00 p.m. and NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. to check in and be shown to their room.
Those arriving Friday will be shown to their rooms that morning or at lunch.
Participants may also elect to stay off campus.
Payments & Cancellations
