Anderson Ranch Workshop Opportunity

I have been offered a Presidential Scholarship to attend a workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in the summer of 2016. I plan to register for "Make. Eat. Think: the art of breaking bread " - with Alleghany Meadows (whose work I've followed since I started making pots), and Guest Chef Mark Fischer. 

Alleghany Meadows is founder of the Artstream Nomadic Gallery  and Artstream Library . The focus of this lending library is "The Artstream Ceramic Library is a social-outreach project whose mission is to connect contemporary functional ceramics with ordinary people. Similar in structure to a literature-based library, the Ceramic Library loans out unique handmade cups made by thirteen nationally-known potters, for a period of seven days."

He was a visiting artist at Clemson Univeristy through planning and funding provided by the Clemson Ceramics Association  in 2014. During his stay at Clemson Alleghany workshopped and met with students individually, approaching conversations with professional experience and genuine interest. His constructive criticism, depth of knowledge in the field, and advice to "clean out" my studio had an extensive impact on the direction of my work before moving into my thesis and projects thereafter. 

As many of you know I have worked with two great artists, Adrienne Litchliter and Lindsey Byrd, to bring Southern Intentions: Prints, Pots, & Provisions   to life in the past year. Southern Intentions is an art and dining collaboration between a printmaker, a potter, and a chef that integrates art practice into the experience of Southern dining. The concept of this course - "to combine two great artistic endeavours to focus on ceramic art for the modern-day dining experience" - will propel and strengthen my studio practice, allowing for new conceptual developments, materials research, and explorations of form and process. And, most importantly, it will support my professional trajectory into full time studio potter(dom). Now to the nitty gritty - what am I asking from you?

I have broken down my budget for complete transparency:

Anderson Ranch Presidential Scholarship allocated funds cover half of the tuition of the course totaling 737.50.

Funds Needed:
1/2 Tuition - 737.50
Flights, DC to Aspen and return - 592.00 (as of 3/23/16)
Lodging/Meals at Anderson Ranch (for 2 weeks) - 990.00
Missed income while attending workshop (includes utilities, rent, studio rent, insurance at home) - 500.00
Total - 2819.50

I just recieved word today (3/23/16) that I was awarded the scholarship to attend my selected course. This means I need to raise the funds by April 1, 2016 - only 8 days away! (In an effort to ensure I can attend I will need to raise the funds in the proposed timeline - if I do not reach my goal by April 1, Anderson Ranch will award the allocated scholarship funds to another recipent.)

This opportunity is a dream come true for me - I have followed Alleghany's work since first seeing it stapled to a cork board wall outside the ceramics studio at Winthrop University where I studied under Jim Connell and Ingrid Bathe. As I develop as an artist I continue to look at Alleghany's work and practices as a source of inspiration.

A brief bio and some other information you may want to know - 

My name is Brent Pafford and I am a ceramic artist living and working in our nation's capital - Washington, D.C. I grew up on a farm in South Carolina where I was taught hard work and having an open mind are two of the best qualities in an individual. After studying 3D Animation I attended Winthrop University, earning a BFA in Visual Arts.

While working my way through undergrad at a local grocery store, I began exploring the connection people have with  sustenance - more specifically, the relationship between people, food, and the vessels that connect them - and this led me into the ceramics studio at Winthrop University to make functional pots. I continued my education at Clemson University studying under Valerie Zimany, graduating with an MFA in 2014. I have since continued my professional development as a ceramicist through maintaining a studio practice, involvement in the ceramics community, and exhibiting nationally and internationally.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at [email redacted]

I have attached a few images of my work, and thank you all for your time and consideration.
Southern Intentions: Prints, Pots, & Provisions. Corsicana, TX. June 6, 2015 (Photo by Benjamin Hines)

Colanders (Porcelain), 2014
Porcelain Plate. Southern Intentions: Prints, Pots, & Provisions. Corsicana, TX. June 6, 2015 (Photo by Benjamin Hines, Salad by Lindsey Byrd)

Nesting Bowls (Porcelain), 2014

Trough Set (Porcelain), 2014

Utensil Caddy (Porcelain), 2014

Trough (Porcelain), 2014

Southern Intentions: Prints, Pots, & Provisions. New Orleans, LA. November 7, 2016 (Photo by Isa Avellan)

Gilly Press Wishbone Pin Reward!
Donate $20.00 and you will recieve a pin designed by Gilly Press. (see rendering below for reward)


Gold Wishbone Reward! 
Donate $25.00 or more and I will mail you a handmade gold enameled porcelain wishbone within 6 weeks of the close of the campaign - send me your address!
(see image below for reward)