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Journal

News from Dowd House Studios: places to find our pottery, exhibitions, classes & workshops, new forms and exciting projects.

Filtering by Tag: Art Association of Jackson Hole

Whodunnit??

Jenny Dowd

The Art Association’s annual anonymous art show kicked off a few days ago, did you guess which piece was mine? This year the pieces are all on display at the Art Association Gallery and Center for the Arts Gallery with purchasing and viewing online. Some pieces are still available and a heated silent auction is also in process, check it all out here: https://whodunnit.afrogs.org/#/index All sales benefit the art education programs at the Art Association.

I was asked to make a 12 x 12 canvas, and since I still don’t know how to deal with a canvas surface I made my own support. But first, a ladder…

For some reason I just wanted to make a small porcelain ladder and when it came out of the kiln I knew what my piece would look like. I was thinking of all the helpful but slightly awkward tools I like to draw on mugs, but what if I made them 3D? (See them here)

Ladder, hammer, scissors, staple gun, wrench, carpenters pencil, and tape measure. Each tool got its own pocket and I embroidered the pocket with clues or an outline of the object.

I also made sure to test the scissors.

So here it is, The Basics. Just enough to start any project! The piece ended up like a pillow for the wall with little pockets for the tools. It was pretty exciting to see my piece in the gallery with a red dot before it got picked up by the purchaser!

The sale & auction is open until March 4th at 6pm MST check it out here

Winter Classes

Jenny 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!

Summer Pottery Sales

Jenny Dowd

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It's time for summer pottery and art sales! Check out the Teton MudPots Summer Sale this Thursday & Friday. This year the summer sale will include work by local potters as well as printmakers, painters, and jewelers. 

I've been packing up work for this 2-day sale. Find 2nds (glaze weirdos and things I'm not totally happy with), extras from orders, prototypes, and some older work that I'd just like to get out of the studio.

I'll be participating in 3 more sales this summer, check my Events page for details as the dates get closer...

Mountain Craft Show

I'll be teaming up with Susan Fleming, Lisa Walker, Noa Staryk, and Arcy Hawks for this 2 day sale located behind Nest on Pearl Street in Jackson. Friday June 29, 4 - 7pm & Saturday June 30, 10am - 4pm

Art Fair Jackson Hole

Dowd House Studios will be at the August Art Fair in Miller Park this year! August 10 - 12

Takin' It To The Streets

Dowd House Studios will finish off the summer with Takin' It To The Streets on September 9

 

Summer Classes

Jenny 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! 

Spring Classes

Jenny 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!

Whodunnit?

Jenny Dowd

Whodunnit? is my favorite event & fundraiser at the Art Association, and it was last night! This yearly event is a celebration of tiny anonymous art. Around 200 artists create and donate 6x6 inch artworks that are signed on the back.

One reason I like this event so much is that I find the 6x6 inch format difficult. After my usual struggle, the final piece often marks the exploration of a new idea in my studio. The small canvas becomes a sketch for a new path or it helps me figure out a problem to work through an idea I've been mulling over.

I've made several pieces over the past years for this event, but haven't managed to photograph them all. Here's what I found... 

2010

Tooth Fairy Notes

At this time I was trying out some new materials and working to make the canvas feel more like clay. I was also writing some funny little stories and haiku about the Tooth Fairy.

2015

Envy

I think this was the first time I made the "canvas" instead of using the provided canvas. But most importantly, this piece was the first time flowers or little mischevious vases showed up in my sculpture!

2016

Remember when?

I'm still mulling this idea over, of adding depth by combining drawing with sculpture. This was the piece that started me thinking about that idea.

2017

Books

This was a tiny version of a small piece I had made in 2016 for a book arts exhibition at the Laramie County Library. (See that piece Here.) I had lots of leftover little books and wanted to revisit the idea and keep the background open. I added the flowers because as much as I love having flowers around the house, they have to be put up on high shelves or else my cat knocks the vase over. So I'm often finding wilted flowers here and there. 

2018

The flower stage

This time I wanted to make something that would change with different backgrounds (I only made one, but photographed it on a few different papers.) I've been thinking a lot about stages and invented settings. I've also recently discovered that I love working with cardboard and I like showing some of the "how" behind the craft.

I'm still excited about the ideas behind each of these pieces (and the ones I forgot to photograph) and am looking forward to seeing what these ideas lead to!

Make & Reuse

Jenny Dowd

I'm always looking for ways pottery can be helpful. 

Bronwyn, Director of Programs & Events at the Art Association, was looking for a way to provide reusable cups at gallery openings and events. Pottery ended up being part of the solution.

Jam jars solve the problem of trash (and cost) generated by throw-away drink cups, despite the extra work of washing, they feel great to hold and at the end of the night the trash cans are light. (If you are in Jackson and have jam or small jars that are not going to get filled with more deliciousness- bring them by the Art Association and put them to work!)

The another reusable option is something you can use and take home with you! I've been making small ceramic cups specifically for the gallery programs. During events the gallery offers the cups for $10- which we split, I see it as a small way I can help support the Art Association, and give a shout out to the ceramics program.

Since the clay studio is right next to the gallery it is always easy to find serving options for the snacks!

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I was focused on seeing this idea put into action Friday night, I also enjoyed the artwork, but you'll have to stop by to see the annual Member's Show on your own as I didn't take any photos!

Winter Classes

Jenny 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

New Locations & Pottery Sales

Jenny Dowd

Ready or not, the holiday shopping season is here! 

Pottery by me (and Sam!) can now be found in MADE in Gaslight Alley. Check out the complete list of shops where you can find my pottery in Jackson on the locations page of our website.

I will be adding some new work to my space at Penny Lane Cooperative later this week and next week... this is a great place for gifts: cute clothes as well as art by several local artists.

Pottery & Art Fairs are starting later this week too... this is a list of the sales I will be participating in, come by and visit!

Teton MudPots Holiday Studio Sale

November 30, 10am - 7pm & December 1, 9am - 3pm

In the gallery at the Art Association, find pottery by several local potters as well as prints, paintings and jewelry by artists who work in the studios at the Art Association.

Old Wilson Schoolhouse Holiday Sale

December 9, 10am - 3pm

Artwork by over 15 local artists, located in Wilson at the Old Schoolhouse

Cocktails & Creatives

December 20, 6 - 10pm

At The Rose in Jackson, enjoy a specialty cocktail and artwork by local artists.

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Happy shopping season, I hope you also find something special just for you!

Fall Classes

Jenny 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

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.

Takin' it to the Streets

Jenny Dowd

Here it is, the last minute... I've been working on some new forms to replenish my pottery inventory and get ready for the fair on Sunday! Tomorrow is Takin' it to the Streets, a local's art fair on the Jackson town square and Sam and I will be there with lots of pottery. And teapots fresh from the kiln... 

This fair is part of Jackson's Fall Arts Festival, so there's lots going on. The fair is made up of over 40 local artists and will be on the street around the town square. Meanwhile there are a few yummy options also happening in the square. Taste of the Tetons is one of my favorite events of the year- local chefs create awesome culinary treats, it's always fun to try their new and favorite items! Plus, the Rotary Supper Club hosts "Sips on the Square," wine tasting and silent auction. 

It's a great day, if you are in Jackson, we hope to see you there. Grab a little food, a little wine and a little art!

Jackson Town Square, 10 - 4, Sunday September 10th

3D Drawing

Jenny 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.

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! 

Summer Classes

Jenny 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

Some things should not have wheels.

Some things should not have wheels.

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

Where the ground meets the sky.

Where the ground meets the sky.

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

Spring Classes

Jenny 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!  

Did you see what they did to Frank?

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

Organizing for a New Year

Jenny 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.

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.

Art Fair Jackson Hole

Jenny Dowd

This weekend we are hanging out in Miller Park for Art Fair Jackson Hole!

Come by and check out lots of great art made by artists from all over the country. Sam and I are in booth #159, we have been busy making heaps of new pottery- favorite forms as well as brand new ideas.

In celebration of the fair's 50th Anniversary there will be music by Jazz Foundation of Jackson Hole on Saturday from 3 - 7pm. 

Come by and find that perfect kitchen organizer or a wacky pilsner.

Miller Park, Jackson, WY

Friday July 8: 10 - 6 | Saturday July 9: 10 - 7 | Sunday July 10: 10 - 4

Hope to see you there, we will be back in August too!

Upcoming Classes

Jenny 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

Some things should not have wheels

Some things should not have wheels

 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.

Something New

Jenny Dowd

Remember when                                                                                                                       

Jenny Dowd  

2016, 6" x 6" Porcelain, velum, ink, wire  

                                                                                                       

Something new is always happening.

Balancing sculpture / drawing / pottery / teaching / odd jobs creates intense and interesting days in and out of the studio. This journal will provide a forum for sharing both news and experiments. 

The image above, Remember when, is a small wall sculpture (6" x 6") that I made for last night's Whodunnit? event at the Art Association of Jackson Hole. This anonymous show and fundraiser presents the frustrating challenge (for me) of working on the wall in a small square format. However, I often find limitations beneficial in the process of working out new ideas. While incorporating drawing into my pottery I've also been puzzling over a method to layer drawings into wall sculpture to increase depth. This project allowed me to sketch out these thoughts, I think something new may come from this.

Meanwhile, this journal will be updated at least weekly with news from Dowd House Studios: places to find our pottery, exhibitions, classes & workshops, new forms and exciting projects.

So it's time for something new, let's see where it takes us!