Spring Workshop | Linda Christianson and Chris Staley | April 18-19, 2026

Linda Christianson and Chris Staley, between the two of them, have been making pots for over 100 years. They have had very different journeys as potters, Linda a studio potter and Chris an academic potter. What they do have in common is asking questions. While demonstrating making pots they will discuss challenges that artist of all ages face.

How do you know what to make? How do you make a living doing what you love to do? What are the pros and cons of social media?  Why do the hard times often teach us the most? Why make Pots? These questions and more will be discussed during this dynamic workshop.

Both artists say they bring out the best in each other.  With a laugh or two their mutual trust and respect will allow them to share candid refreshing insights. All are welcome, in this shared search for meaning. Just bring a question and an open heart.

The 2 day, demo based workshop is free. The $25 fee includes registration, coffee & refreshment during the workshop. Plus, your participation in a community dinner on Saturday evening with the artists at Fox Studio.

All Attendees must register
There will be no refunds

workshop schedule:
Saturday April 18, 2026
9am-12pm- artist talks, demos (out at Fox Studio)
coffee, tea and light snacks provided 

12-1pm-LUNCH: TBA
(RLCC will invite a local food truck, prices and menu will vary. Feel free to participate, or to provide your own lunch)

1pm-4pm-demos (Out at Fox Studio)

4-6pm BREAK (we invite you to visit the Gallery-123 Broadway, Red Lodge)

6pm catered dinner (out at Fox Studio), registration required, (dinner fees covered with registration)

Sunday April 19, 2026
9:30-1:30pm -demos (out at Fox Studio)
coffee, tea and light snacks provided


Addresses:
Fox Studio-463 Two Mile Bridge Rd, Roberts, MT
Red Lodge Clay Center Gallery- 123 S. Broadway, Red Lodge Montana

About our Presenters:

Linda Christianson is an independent studio potter who lives and works in rural Minnesota. She studied at Hamline University (St Paul, Minnesota), and the Banff Centre School of Fine Arts (Banff, Alberta, Canada). She exhibits nationally and internationally, including one-person exhibits in London and St. Louis. Her pieces are in numerous public and private collections, including the American Museum of Ceramic Art and the Glenboe Museum.

An itinerate educator, Linda has taught at colleges and universities, including Carleton College, the Hartford Art School, and the University of Georgia – Athens. She received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the McKnight Foundation, and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her recent writing appeared in Studio Potter and The Log Book. One of her goals is to make a better cup each day.


Chris Staley is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Penn State University.  He was selected to be the Penn State Laureate for 2012-2013.  In 2017, he was awarded the University's Milton Eisenhower Distinguished Teaching Award and in 2021 he received a NCECA Excellence in Teaching Award. Chris was once rejected to all the graduate MFA programs he applied to. However, after attending the Kansas City Art Institute for a year as a special student, he went on to earn his MFA from Alfred University.

Chris has traveled extensively as a visiting artist from Bezalel Academy in Israel to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine. He has received two National Endowment of the Arts Grants. His work is in many collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, as well as friends cupboards. He has served on the Board of Directors at the Archie Bray Foundation, in Helena, Montana and on the Board of Trustees at The Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and served as President for NCECA, the National Council of Education for the Ceramic Arts.

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OPI Credits for Educators: Red Lodge Clay Center will offer 10 credit units for full participation (Sunday and Saturday) of this workshop. Please email Rachael- Programs Coordinator to fill out the certification, and be sure to sign in for BOTH days at the workshop.