Building Colorful Busts with Andréa Keys Connell

Build and underglaze fabulous, colorful heads with artist Andréa Keys Connell! Andréa will demonstrate her hollow building technique that she uses to build at any scale. The group will discuss facial expressions and how to tell a story through gesture and gaze. On the final day of the workshop, Andréa will go over underglazing techniques and firing methods. Andréa will also demonstrate how she develops patterns and color that work in conversation with the emotion of her pieces. 

In conjunction with this workshop, Watershed will host a free public artist talk with Andréa Keys Connell at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10 in the Commons!

Dates: October 10-12, 2025
Workshop Fee: $410 (includes meals)
Materials Fee: $30

Optional Housing: $65/night double room; $90/night single room

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About Andréa

Andréa Keys Connell (b. 1980) is an Associate Professor of Ceramics at Appalachian State University. Her sculptural work has been featured in The New York Times, Colossal, and exhibited internationally, including the Jane Hartsook Gallery (NYC) and the Gaya Culture and Art Center (Korea). With over 20 solo exhibitions since 2009, her work can always be seen at Blue Spiral 1 (Asheville, NC) and J Mackey Gallery (East Hamptons). In addition to her studio practice, Andréa engages in public art and collaborative projects—most recently with Susan Alexandra, featured in Wirecutter. A passionate educator, she has taught workshops at Penland, Haystack, Arrowmont, and The Met, and has presented as a demonstrating artist at NCECA, Women Working in Clay, and The Bascom. Her work is rooted in storytelling, community, and the transformative power of craft.

Workshop Schedule

Daily Schedule:
Friday, Oct 10: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. artist talk in Commons
Saturday, Oct 11: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct 12: 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 and  Saturday. Breakfast is the only meal served on Sunday.
  • 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.

 

What to Bring

    • The materials fee includes:
      • 25lbs Brooklyn Red clay
      • Underglaze
    • Participants should bring:
      • Basic clay tools (wire tool, needle tool, flexible rib, serrated rib, sponge, knife, fork, other favorites)
      • Clay modeling tools
      • Brushes for underglaze (natural hair is best)
      • Your favorite underglaze colors.  (This is not necessary as Watershed will supply underglazes, but please note that not every color will be available.)
      • Plastic for covering work
      • Boxes and packing material for transporting work (we do not keep much of this on hand!)
      • Notebook and pencil

Housing & Meals

Meals

  • Watershed provides continental breakfast and self-serve lunch Friday and Saturday. Breakfast is the only meal served on Sunday.
  • 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. Housing is limited; participants requesting housing and will be assigned rooms on a first-come, first-served basis.

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. 

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

  • The workshop fee and any housing fees are due in full with your registration.
  • Please familiarize yourself with Watershed’s Cancellation Policy.
  • Participants must agree to follow Watershed’s health & safety guidelines. Read them here.