Tiny Food

February 23, 2023Jenny Dowd

Tiny Food!

What is cuter and more mouth watering?

I do not know.

When the Fayetteville Public Library Innovation Lab asked me to teach an air dry clay workshop earlier this month I could not stop thinking about making tiny foods. (If you live in or near Fayetteville, be sure to check out the events at the library - the workshops are free!)

It’s been awhile since I have used air dry clay, but I remembered that working with Fimo is fun. Plus it comes in lots of bright colors and has a long working time.

I spent a couple of afternoons at the kitchen table, giggling while I made some of my favorite foods. Making waffles might have been my favorite, I was pretty excited when I realized a match stick would be perfect for making the square waffle-spots. Unfortunately, the experience was not all giggles. I managed to burn / melt the first batch in the toaster oven (probably not the best for even and exact heat.) I was so sad that I didn’t take a photo, so you’ll just have to imagine a bunch of sad-burnt-melted tiny food.

During the 2-hour workshop my students made the coolest tiny foods! I brought boxes for everyone to transport their foods home in, so those got decorated as well. S’mores, sushi, pies, cakes, popcorn, pizzas, cakes, noodles… oh we had a great time and were all rather hungry when we left!

categories Community Projects, Education, New Ideas, Sculpture, Workshops & Classes
tags tiny clay food, polymer clay, fimo clay food, fayetteville public library art workshop, jenny dowd sculpture

Class Examples

February 19, 2022Jenny Dowd

The spring class schedule is out at the Community Creative Center and I’m pretty excited about some new classes I’ll be teaching! To get ready for each class I made an example piece:

First up, on Tuesday February 22nd, I’ll be teaching a short 2 hour handbuilding with clay session for Seniors. In this workshop we will be making hollow boxes. I like this technique because it is so different from all other forms of handbuilding. It’s also a very satisfying process.

This project can be made in a variety of shapes, for this example I went with a box. After cutting a solid clay chunk out of the bag, I paddled and patted the clay into a cube.

Next, I cut the top or lid off of the cube using a wire tool. When cutting I made a “key” or notch in the middle, this will help the lid to stay in place once the pieces are finished.

Now for the fun part - hollowing out the base and lid. I scooped out the clay using a loop trimming tool and was careful to not make the walls too thin.

Finally, I smoothed out the insides and went over the rim of the lid and base to make sure they had a good fit.

In class we will add texture by carving into the outside of the box and add color with underglaze.

Starting at the end of March, I’ll be teaching a 6-week slab building class. We will work with wet slabs to create cylinders and use stiff slabs to create boxes, or in this case - a flower pot. Slab building can be quick, so we will also use a bold quick decorating process.

To make my example flower pot, I first made a cardboard template and then rolled out several slabs of clay. I used the template to cut 4 sides and then let them dry until they were stiff enough to support themselves but not actually dry.

I attached each side to the base, smoothed the sides and top, added feet, and drilled some holes in the bottom for drainage.

To decorate the red stoneware, I placed torn ribbons of newsprint around the sides of the pot, then brushed over the whole thing with yellow slip. The fun part was peeling off the newsprint and revealing the clay below!

Just to play around I added some green, black, and red stamps using slip. I started thinking about how I didn’t really have a plan, which made me realize that I should spend a little time with my class sketching on paper with pencils to develop pattern and design.

And finally, I’m teaching a 6-week class specifically about applying glaze.

We will cover application processes, troubleshoot glaze flaws, explore ways to find your voice and style through decoration, and also answer the question - is glaze affected by the type of clay it is applied to? (Spoiler - Yes!)

Pictured here along with the studio glaze test tiles, are 4 cups made from 4 different types of clay (porcelain, buff stoneware, red stoneware, black stoneware) They have each been glazed with the same glaze, but not yet fired.

Find out the results in my glaze class, or on the Dowd House Studios Facebook page (I’ll post once they are out of the kiln)

Check out the whole schedule here!

categories Education, Process, Workshops & Classes
tags jenny dowd clay classes, nwa art classes, handbuilding with clay, community creative center

Winter Classes

January 06, 2019Jenny Dowd

I’ve been taking a bit of a break to recharge - it was needed because all of a sudden I can’t wait to work in the studio and start teaching classes again!

Already a lot is happening in the studio (new stuff coming soon!) and classes begin this week at the Art Association.

Clay Surfaces: Color, Glaze & Pattern

Jan 10 - Feb 7 | 11:30am - 2pm

This class will cover lots of surface techniques - texture & stamping as well as the many ways to use underglaze and slip: sgraffito, inlay & mishima, stencils, transfers, wax etching… This class is the place to find or enhance your style!

Monotype, Chine-collé, and Hand-sewn Techniques

2 different sessions:

Feb 6 & 13 | 1 - 4pm

April 17 & 24 | 6 - 9pm

Learn the basics of monotype printmaking, a process that can be quick or layered. We will explore techniques to make marks using an etching press as well as techniques that you can do at home without a press.

Monotypes are one-time prints that I find truly special and sometimes haunting. Whether you love to draw & paint or are a little intimidated by paper - you will make interesting designs, patterns, and images that are exciting and one-of-a-kind.

We will also add to the layers of our prints with chine-collé and collage techniques.

Daytime Beginning Throwing

2 different sessions:

Feb 14 - March 21 | 11:30am - 2pm

April 18 - May 23 | 11:30am - 2pm

How does a lump of clay become a mug? Learn all the basics in this daytime throwing class. It will be awkward and messy at first, but you’ll have something you can eat out of by the end of the class!

Drawing Topics

2 different sessions:

Feb 20 - March 13 | 1 - 4pm

May 8 - 28 | 6 - 9pm

I think that drawing is a really important way to communicate. Whether you are doodling while waiting or are giving someone instructions that need a little visual component or you desire to make a realistic drawing of an object - drawing is useful. Learn confidence during this 4-week class as we work through the basics and a variety of techniques to get you started to brush up your skills.

Check out the Events page on the website to see Sam’s classes, and dates for shows and other events as we know them!

categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Art Association of Jackson Hole, ceramics Class, jenny dowd clay classes, drawing class, printmaking classes, monotype class, surface design on clay

Fall Classes

September 15, 2018Jenny Dowd

Fall classes have begun at the Art Association! I’m teaching a variety of topics…

Make your own clay and silver jewelry in Melding Minerals. In this 3-part class we will make jewelry components from stoneware and porcelain, highlighting texture, color, and surface design. Then we will put it all together with silversmith Jen McNaughton.

Tuesdays | 5:30 - 8:30pm | Sept 18 - Oct 2

Surface Design on Pottery started this past Wednesday, but it’s not too late to drop in for any topic you are curious about. Sgraffito, inlay & mishima, decals & transfers…

Wednesdays | 6 - 9pm | Sept 12 - Oct 17

Drawing Topics is a great drawing class to refresh your skills or start up a good drawing habit. Each week covers a different topic, sign up for all or just a few.

Tuesdays | 10am - 12pm | Oct 2 - Nov 6

In Handbuilding with Clay - Daytime we will cover all the basic handbuilding techniques - slab, pinch, coil, plus a lot more. Bring your ideas- large and small! Learn how to use studio tools such as the slab roller and extruder.

Wednesdays | Oct 24 - Nov 28 | 12 - 2pm

I’m offering 2 opportunities to make your own cards before the holidays:

Printing & Sewing: Cardmaking In this one-day workshop we will spend the morning making designs, and patterns by making simple screenprints and monotypes. In the afternoon we will collage these prints by sewing them onto cards with other found and handmade papers. No glue! The sewing machine lines can create beautiful attachments and simple lines that add to your design. No sewing or printmaking experience necessary.

Saturday | Nov 3 | 10am - 3pm

Monotype Printmaking: Holiday Cards Spend an afternoon making fun and simple cards to celebrate the holidays (or any event.) Learn simple monotype techniques and make cards or images in multiple sizes. Once the print has dried you can even go back and draw on top of the colors or images… so many options!

Tuesday | Dec 4 | 1 - 4pm

categories Workshops & Classes, Education
tags art association of jackson hole, Art classes in Jackson Hole, handbuilding with clay, surface design on clay, drawing class, printmaking classes, make your own cards

Summer Classes

May 18, 2018Jenny Dowd

The summer class schedule just arrived at the Art Association and I'll be teaching 2 classes this summer. If you are looking for a little art instruction this might be just the thing, the topical classes are perfect to drop into. Check out the complete schedule here, there are lots of great offerings!

Surface Decoration on Pottery

June 26 - July 31 | Tuesday | 6 - 9 pm

Each week we will explore a different topic- from decoration before bisque, glazing techniques, and how to make your own decals:

Wet Clay:
June 26: Carving / Stamping / Sprigging / Thinking about Glazing and Staining
Leather Hard Clay:
July 3: Sgraffito (Slip or underglaze)
July 10: Mishima and inlay (Underglaze)
July 17: Monotype Transfers (Slip)
July 24: Many ways of Stencils (Slip)
Post Glaze:
July 31: Decals - how to design and print your own

Drawing Topics

June 7 - July 26 | Thursday | 10am - 12pm

An introduction and refresher to drawing skills for the artist who wishes to improve this basic skill set required to become an artist.

June 7: Line
June 14: Shape & Space
June 28: 1 point Perspective
July 5: 2 point Perspective
July 19: Value
July 26: Composition

Maybe I'll see you in the studio!

categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Art classes in Jackson Hole, Art Association of Jackson Hole, pottery decoration, beginning drawing

Spring Classes

April 07, 2018Jenny Dowd

Since it's feeling more damp & muddy than warm & springy right now in Jackson, this might be the perfect time for a clay class! I am teaching 3 classes that start over the next few weeks, plus there are lots more coming up, read on for details and check out the Art Association online schedule for more.

Beginning Throwing II - A La Carte

You've taken a throwing class or just need a refresher? Sign up for just one session or all 7, each week will address a specific topic. Click here for details and the list of dates and topics.

April 11 - May 23, Wednesday, 6-9pm

Handbuilding - Daytime

This daytime class is perfect for the beginner who wants to learn to create bowls, dishes, vases, tiles and more without the potter’s wheel. Sculptural forms will also be created as we build basic but fun forms using pinch, coil, and slab techniques. Then learn to add that personal touch using sculpting, alteration, stamps, stencils, painting, slip, stains, sgraffito, found objects and more.

April 16 - May 21, Monday, 12:30 - 2:30pm

Beginning Throwing - Daytime

How does a lump of clay become a mug or a bowl? Do you dream of eating cake off of your very own handmade dishes? This beginning throwing class is for you! Check out the details here.

April 26 - May 31, Thursday, 12:30 - 2:30

Hope to see you in the studio!

categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Art Association of Jackson Hole, jenny dowd clay classes, Beginning throwing, handbuilding with clay

Winter Classes

January 06, 2018Jenny Dowd

A new year is here, with unforeseen ideas, projects, and challenges. One of the ways I challenge myself is by teaching. I find these moments a good opportunity to stretch and share my ideas while pushing myself and others.

Sam and I are both teaching a lot of classes in the upcoming winter session at the Art Association, here are some that are starting in the next few weeks. (Check out the full listing here!)

Beginning Drawing Topics, Tuesdays 1 - 4pm

An introduction and refresher to drawing skills for the artist who wishes to improve this basic skill set required to become an artist. Four weeks of innovative classical drawing instruction emphasizing observation and eye-hand coordination. Weekly topics are as follows:

Jan 9 - Line & Shape
Jan 16 - Perspective & Space
Jan 23 - Value & Depth
Jan 30 - Composition + Putting it All Together

Ceramic Sculpture, Wednesdays 6 - 9pm, January 10 - February 14

Using slab and coil techniques, build a large scale ceramic sculpture or 2, be it abstract, animal or human in nature. Sectional sculpture making will also be covered. This technique is used to make sculptural works easier to move and fire. Artwork made in this class will be allowed to slow dry and be fired sometime in March.

Beginning Wheel Throwing, Thursdays 12:30 - 2:30pm, February 8 - March 15

During this class, students will learn techniques that emphasize the creation of forms on the potter’s wheel; cups, mugs, bowls and plates by learning to throw, trim, alter, pull handles, and slip decoration. Students are encouraged to take additional classes to learn the art of glazing as this is primarily a throwing class.

Welding Sampler, Feb 9: 5-8pm & Feb 10: 9:30-4:30

Learn different welding techniques by sampling many different welding processes by creating small projects out of mild steel such as a plant holder, fireplace pokers or small sculptures. Discussions will include welding safety, settings, the positives and negatives of different welding techniques, and how to get started with your own machine or tanks.

Drawing & Monotype Printmaking, Tuesdays 1-4pm, February 6-27

Enrich your drawing skill set and learn how to yield the power of the press. Take your marks on paper to a plexi with printing ink and move your practiced 2D skills into the next realm: monotype.

Business Skills for Artists, Drop-in Series, Saturdays 1 - 4pm

Artist Statement & Bio: January 27 & February 3

Resume & CV: February 24

Photographing your artwork: March 24

Application Opportunities: April 28

Creating your Web Presence: May 26

Marketing your Artwork: June 30

categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Jenny Dowd, Art Association of Jackson Hole, local art classes, jackson hole art classes, Beginning throwing, Beginning Drawing

Fall Classes

September 20, 2017Jenny Dowd

Fall is approaching and I'm changing my studio focus slightly. This always seems like a good time of year to revisit ideas from before the busy summer while digging into the studio before winter. I'll be teaching 3 classes this fall at the Art Association that cover the basics plus a bit more in drawing and ceramics:

Drawing Essentials

This is a 4-week class and is designed to cover a topic each week, participants can choose to take multiple weeks or drop in for a specific topic. While my drawing is very line based and focuses on telling simple and sometimes funny stories, I truly enjoy the challenges of teaching each of these topics. I also find them helpful for my drawing practice, and am often inspired to incorporate them into sketches and projects.

Oct 10: Line & Shape

Oct 17: Perspective & Space

Oct 24: Value & Depth

Oct 31: Composition

Some things should not have wheels

Can we go yet?

Drawing & Monotype Printmaking

This 4-week drawing class can be approached as an extension of basic drawing, although all levels are welcome. I have been working to incorporate printmaking into some of my work, especially the immediate form of monotype. Slicing up a roasted beet made a neat (although temporary) print on my cutting board. This quick technique can also be a springboard for mixed media drawings- start with a quick print, then work back into it with drawing. This is a truly tactile process, we will work with a variety of materials and will use a press as well as more basic techniques.

4 weeks, Tuesdays, 1 - 4 pm, November 7 - 28

Glaze Chemistry 101

6 weeks, Oct 17 - Nov 21, Tuesdays 6 - 9pm

So, you are looking for a little more in the clay studio? Not super happy with your glaze options or applications? Wondering about the firing process? This is the class for you, a technical course designed to give a peek into the mystery of glazing and kiln firing. We will discuss and explore a variety of firing techniques, learn the basics of glaze materials, and create our own glazes and color variations.

categories Education
tags jenny dowd, drawing class, monotype class, Art classes in Jackson Hole, Art Association of Jackson Hole

3D Drawing

July 30, 2017Jenny Dowd

For some time I have been thinking about the relationship between drawing and sculpture.

Drawing was my first love in art, and although I work mostly as a potter and sculptor, drawing has continued to drive the spirit behind my work.

When I learned how to weld with an oxy-acetylene torch I have a vivid memory of my teacher comparing bending the welding rod to contour drawing. This image stuck and resurfaced years later when I was frustrated by an idea that I felt would not work on paper.

A series of small furniture in human settings emerged from that frustration. I like the feeling of actually drawing in space, as well as the ability to move the figures around to create different scenarios. Plus, there is a bonus drawing in shadow.

Dancers

Storytime

Narcissus

These sculptures are small, each piece no taller than 10 inches. Check out more from this series here.

This is a detail from Passages, a sculpture I have installed several times in different locations. Once again I'm playing with shadow and using the wire to draw lines.

Most recently I have been employing multiple objects to create environments, using thread, wire, fabric, and porcelain to build something that just barely pops off the wall.

These experiments have led me to think about a class that exists both on and off the page- 3D Drawing. Usually when I propose a class I have a pretty good sense of where it will go and what the outcome will be. This time I have lots of ideas but am excited that the class will be an experiment. It may go in directions that will offer new ideas and solutions.

The class starts in a few weeks. 3D Drawing will be held at the Art Association in Jackson, WY. Each week focuses on a topic that we will explore on paper and also in 3D space.

This class is set up as a drop-in, you can choose the topics/weeks you like or you can sign up for all 4 weeks:

August 9 - Line: contour drawing & wire objects
August 16 - Value & Texture: piercing, folding and manipulating paper
August 23 - Shape & Space: mobiles
August 30 - Composition: drawing with found objects

For more information, check out the class description here.

Stay tuned, there is much to say on this topic and I will post updates from the class in a few weeks!

categories Education, New Ideas
tags Jenny Dowd, Art Association of Jackson Hole, Drawing Workshop, 3d drawing

Mini Maker Faire

May 19, 2017Jenny Dowd

It's time for the Jackson Hole Mini Maker Faire! If you are in town this weekend be sure to stop by the Teton Science School from 12 - 4pm on Saturday where Sam and I will be joining over 30 Makers.

Sam will be teaching basic welding skills, these photos are from last year's booth, check it out and make your own garden tool.

I will be offering the opportunity to squish, squash and form things with clay. Last year I taught basic hand-building techniques and participants contributed to a community still life.

There will be lots to learn, come by and be surprised!

categories Community Projects, Education
tags mini maker faire, jackson hole, sam dowd, jenny dowd

Card Making Workshop

April 28, 2017Jenny Dowd

Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up!

Alissa Davies

Card making mess, Jenny Dowd

To help you prepare for these big days, I'll be teaming up with Alissa Davies to teach a workshop at Penny Lane Cooperative.

Stations around the room will be set up to help you make beautiful and creative cards for Mother's Day (May 14) and/or Father's Day (June 18.) Try your hand at collage and painting with fabric, paper and stencils or work with text and learn how to write a haiku.

All supplies are included, this will be a fun evening of art, snacks and drinks. Bring a friend (or sibling) and make something special!

The class will be held on Wednesday May 10 from 5 - 7pm and the cost is $25. (Children are welcome to attend with a parent for free.) And if you have an art making material you'd like to try out, bring it along!

Space is limited, to register call: 307-203-2323 or email: andi@pennylanecooperative.com

categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags alissa davies, jenny dowd, card making workshop, mothers day fathers day cards, penny lane cooperative

Summer Classes

April 14, 2017Jenny Dowd

The summer class schedule is out at the Art Association! Here is a list of the classes I'll be teaching this summer:

Beginning Drawing Topics

May 24 - June 14 | Wednesdays | 1 - 4pm

An introduction and refresher to drawing skills for the artist who wishes to improve this basic skill set required to become an artist. Four weeks of innovative classical drawing instruction emphasizing observation and eye-hand coordination. Sign up for just one or all weeks!

May 24 - Line & Shape
May 31 - Perspective & Space
June 7 - Value & Depth
June 14 - Composition + Putting it All Together

3D Drawing

August 9 - 30 | Wednesday | 1 - 4pm

Take mark making to a new level in this mixed media drawing class. Sometimes ideas are better expressed through a blend of drawing and sculpture. Contour drawing and shading techniques will combine with wire and shadow drawings to create interest through depth and atmospheric perspective. Make your drawings come to life and jump right off the page! Weeks are as follows:

August 9 - Line: wire objects
August 16 - Value & Texture: piercing, folding and manipulating paper
August 23 - Shape & Space: mobiles
August 30 - Composition: drawing with found objects

Pottery: Focused Topics

Friday | 2 - 4pm

Each session will address specific aspects in clay usage including: using tools, advanced hand building, troubleshooting your throwing, and discussing design and form. Take one class or all, the sessions are non-sequential. The aim of this class is to make you better at working with clay.

JUNE 16: Cylinder workshop (getting the cup form efficient)

JUNE 30: Put a handle on mugs and pitchers

JULY 7: Trimming - bowls and cylinders

JULY 14: Plates & Wide Bowls

JULY 21: Sgraffito - carving in color

JULY 28: Paddle, facet & small alterations - with wheel thrown ware

To see a complete list of classes taught by me or Sam, visit the Events Page on our website.

Plus, if you are looking for a whole summer of ceramics, spaces are still available in my Beginning Ceramics Class for Central Wyoming College in Jackson! We will cover throwing on the wheel, hand building, surface techniques and different firing methods. You can take the class for credit or for audit. Class meets Wednesday & Fridays 8 - 10:30am, May 24 - August 4. To sign up contact CWC: jacksoninfo@cwc.edu or 307-733-7425

categories Education
tags Art classes in Jackson Hole, Art Association of Jackson Hole, Jenny Dowd, Summer art Classes, Pottery Classes, Beginning Drawing

Spring Classes

February 25, 2017Jenny Dowd

I will be teaching in the next few months at the Art Association, these classes highlight my love for clay and drawing:

Beginning Drawing

March 2 - 23 | Thursdays | 1 - 4pm

Learn the basics or brush up your skills in this intro to drawing class. We will address: line, shape, perspective, shading and composition. Get comfortable expressing yourself with line, funny or serious!

Perpetual Drawing & Monotype Printmaking

April 6 - 27 | Thursdays | 1 - 4pm

Consider this a continuation of beginning drawing, all levels are welcome. Add depth and layers to your drawings by combining processes- monotypes are a way to create interesting one-of-a-kind images using ink and plexiglass. The end result will be layered drawings and exploring different ways to make marks.

Beginning Throwing

April 20 - May 25 | Thursdays | 9:30am - 12:30pm

You know you've always wanted to learn how to throw on the potter's wheel... so join me for this morning class! Learn how to make cups, bowls, pitchers and a little about surface design and glazing.

Putting handles on plastic spray bottles is not usually part of my curriculum... however, sometimes a demo needs to happen and the spray bottle steps up to be a willing subject:

Stay tuned for summer & fall classes! A few are already posted on our calendar

categories Education
tags Art classes in Jackson Hole, Beginning Drawing, Beginning throwing, Art Association of Jackson Hole, Jenny Dowd

Cupcakes & Clay Workshop

January 28, 2017Jenny Dowd

Just in time for Valentine's Day... a cupcake workshop!

Join me for a fun evening at Penny Lane Cooperative, we will make cupcakes and other guilt-free sweets from porcelain. I'll demonstrate simple hand building techniques: pinch, coil and slab, then we will use colorful underglazes to decorate the sweets.

After the workshop I will add a clear glaze and fire your creations, then you can come back and pick them up- just in time for a Valentines delivery.

For these examples I made my cupcakes as small lidded containers... perfect for a secret message or present!

The class will be held the 8th of February from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Penny Lane Cooperative. The cost is $30 and is open to all ages (bring your child and work as a team!) All materials will be provided.

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up: call 307-203-2323 or email andi@pennylanecooperative.com

Hope to see you there!

categories Education
tags clay workshop, cupcakes, jenny dowd, workshop at penny lane cooperative

Organizing for a New Year

January 14, 2017Jenny Dowd

In anticipation of the January blahs I've set aside this month to work on organizing my studio and my thoughts (and spending some time outside.)

I've been focused on drawings, ideas for new work and prototypes for upcoming orders. This creative break has been a nice rest from the production last year ended with.

Working on ink drawings for a very overdue order not only made a great excuse to clean my drawing studio but also offered a chance to revisit the world of objects and furniture. This process brought forward new ideas and experiments, so now that the framing is finished, I'll be setting up for something new.

The Usual Suspects

But Mom... Everyone's wearing them!

I've also been spending some time working on administration, trying to clear off my desk and organize that part of my brain. I need to go over my art documents: resume, bio, statements and organize my images in order to work on website updates. Which is totally daunting when I look at it as a list!

If you live in the Jackson area and are struggling with this side of your art business, I'll be teaching a workshop in a few weeks at the Art Association.

Crafting Your Artist Statement will be the first workshop in a series of professional development classes. This short workshop will meet on January 30, 10am - 12pm in the Photography Studio at the Art Association. I'll help define the various forms of the artist statement and offer tips on writing and communicating the meaning behind your art. Plus- this class is free for members of the Art Association and only $5 if you are not!

Give me a shout if you have questions (hello@dowdhousestudios.com) and stay tuned for more from this series.

There is so much to come this year and I still feel overwhelmed from last year. I'm glad I gave myself permission for this short break and I hope to feel more organized by the end of this month.

categories Education, New Ideas
tags Professional Practice for Artists, Artist workshops, Art Association of Jackson Hole

Summer Workshops

June 11, 2016Jenny Dowd

I'm teaching 2 workshops this summer in the Jackson, WY area:

Book Arts | Teton County Library, Jackson, WY | June 24, 10:30am - 12pm

Start out with an old book, leave with a trinket box!

Drawing Off The Page | Teton Arts, Driggs, ID | August 4, 11am - 3pm

Sometimes ideas are better expressed through a blend of drawing and sculpture. In this one-day workshop we will approach drawing through a mixed media angle while building on pattern and line exercises. Contour drawing and shading techniques will combine with wire and shadow drawings to create interest through depth and atmospheric perspective. Make your drawings come to life and jump right off the page!

categories Education
tags Teaching, Jenny Dowd, Teton County Library, Teton Arts, Book workshop, Drawing workshop

Maker Faire

May 21, 2016Jenny Dowd

Today Sam and I are participating in the Jackson Hole Mini Maker Faire. If you are in Jackson, come by the Journeys School from 12 - 4 and check out this celebration with over 40 makers!

Sam will be teaching small groups how to weld, stop by his booth to make your very own garden tool.

I will be using clay to create a community still life. Come by my booth to learn basic hand-building clay techniques. Make an object to pose and photograph amongst items created by other participants. At the end of the day all the clay will be recycled, so have fun with the process and the moment.

Check our facebook page to see photos from the day!

categories Education, Community Projects
tags Jackson Hole Maker Faire, Dowd House Studios, Sam Dowd, Jenny Dowd

Upcoming Classes

April 16, 2016Jenny Dowd

This week my spring teaching schedule began and I suddenly realized that means summer classes are right around the corner! For the next several months I will be teaching a variety of ceramics classes (for adults & kids), beginning drawing and professional practices for artists.

Space is still available in the classes that will begin in just a few weeks:

Beginning Drawing

Thursday Afternoons | 1 - 4pm | April 28 - May 19 | Taught by Jenny Dowd

The Clay Surface: Color & Pattern

Tuesday Evenings | 6 - 9pm | May 3 - 24pm | Taught by Jenny Dowd

Glazing: From Ho-Hum to Hooray!

Friday Evenings | 6 - 9pm | May 13 - 27 | Taught by Sam Dowd

Lots of classes are coming up this summer... handbuilding, clay sculpting / portraits, beginning drawing plus ceramic classes for kids! Check it all out at the Art Association and for a full list of our classes check out the Events page on our website.

categories Education
tags Dowd House Studios, Sam Dowd, Jenny Dowd, Classes, Teaching, Art Association of Jackson Hole, Beginning Drawing

NCECA 2016

March 26, 2016Jenny Dowd

Last week we traveled to Kansas City for the 50th Annual NCECA Conference (National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts.) Now home and excited about new ideas, I should be eager to get back to work. The studio is clean and ready... instead I'm tired and feel as though I'm staring at a humongous blank canvas. I've spent this past week reading, planning, mapping project deadlines and mostly processing a vast list of new ideas for myself and my students... all while thinking about the amazing artwork I saw in the galleries during the conference. Sometimes it is nice to feel stuffed full to the brim, as soon as I sleep it off, I'll be hungry for more.

My work was included in the exhibition Around the Corner. This show highlighted the art of several graduates from the University of Missouri-Columbia as well as our professor and mentor, Bede Clarke. I took this opportunity to experiment and make a large modular piece: That moment, an attempt to capture the very instant attraction takes place. The show is beautiful and I'm so happy to have been included, if only I had taken more photographs of my colleague's work.

Sam was included in an exhibition at the Thornhill Gallery at Avila College, Yoshi and Friends. This exhibition honored the legacy of Yoshi Ikeda and his students from Kansas State University. Yoshi made a big impact on both of us, myself as an undergraduate at KSU and Sam as a graduate student. We miss him but attempt to pass his humor and dedication on to our students.

Sam Dowd | Crossing the road just got harder — Sam Dowd | *Crossing the road just got harder*

We saw so much art in such a short amount of time, here are just a few of my favorites:

Kate Roberts | Porte — Kate Roberts | *Porte*

Donut Goshorn | Body Map — Donut Goshorn | *Body Map*

Fred Johnston | Fish & Fowl Bowl — Fred Johnston | *Fish & Fowl Bowl*

Christina Erives | Lo Que La Partia Me Dio — Christina Erives | *Lo Que La Partia Me Dio*

categories Education, Travel
tags NCECA 2016, Around the Corner, Sam Dowd, Jenny Dowd

Professional Practice in the Arts

March 19, 2016Jenny Dowd

Good business is the best art. -Andy Warhol

In just a few weeks I will be teaching Professional Practice in the Arts for Central Wyoming College at the Jackson campus.

I am looking forward to this class more and more as it approaches. While helping my students set short and longterm goals, learn the process of portfolio and application preparation, brush up resumes, statements, learn about social media tools... I need to be sharp! I keep thinking about all those things I thought I'd get to over the winter, computer file organization / streamlining, editing and organizing images... I even have boxes of old slides to weed through and digitize.

As with all classes I teach, I have the opportunity to learn along with my students. So, I'll be setting goals for myself while brushing up on all the topics we will cover. I'm excited for the questions that will be brought to the class and I have high hopes for my students (and myself) during the 5-week crash course.

I picked up a great book that I think might help form part of my approach: Better Living Through Criticism: How to think about Art, Beauty, Pleasure and Truth by A.O. Scott

My first goal is to finish this book before the class starts. So far, I don't think that will be a problem!

The class will be meeting from 5 - 7:30pm for 5 Mondays: April 11 - May 9 at the Center for the Arts. For more information, send me an email or contact CWC: 307.733.7425

categories Education
tags Professional Practice for Artists, Central Wyoming College, Dowd House Studios, Continuing Education

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