RAVEN RIDGE POTTERY
August 1-9, 2008

It is with great pleasure that my wife Rickie, and I invite you to attend our unique pottery workshop in our home/ranch, Redtail. The format will offer a choice between replication of Basketmaker III and Pueblo I pottery (Rosa B/w) of Raven Ridge, Mesa Verde Black-on-white, all grayware including corrugation, and Mimbres B/w and Polychrome. Be one of only 6 participants who for 8 days become immersed in the art of this enchanting landscape and camaraderie as "potters study potters." Rickie will keep us well fed with her legendary kitchen magic and I will share my passion for this early pottery and the people who roamed Raven Ridge over 1000 years ago.

The Setting
Redtail adjoins 85,000 acres of the San Juan National Forest and is perched on Raven Ridge, a waterless, 4-mile finger of piñon/juniper forest extending west from the H.D. mountain range to Ute Creek. It was a prehistoric avenue that saw occupation from 650 AD until 1000 AD and was visited even later as evidenced by Chaco, Mesa Verde and PIV pottery. It was here that I first got involved with prehistoric pottery when in 1986, my Golden Retriever unearthed three large Basketmaker III sherds while in pursuit of a gopher. I began to excavate "Hilltop Hamlet," a BM III pithouse used as a Pueblo I midden. It was this initial exposure to prehistoric pottery that fueled my subsequent quest, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Dig
One way to connect with people is to search through their trash and that is what we will be doing for at least one day. In the Hilltop Hamlet midden are all the production secrets and a ton of inspiration just waiting for discovery. Weather permitting, we will excavate on the drying day.

The Pottery
Basketmaker III and PI pottery are simple, graceful forms. The paintings are minimal and straightforward sometimes appearing contemporary. Clay is abundant and we will be gathering and processing all materials that we use. Paintings will be executed in organic, mineral (iron) or lead-based glaze paint. Students my also study Mesa Verde B/w, Mimbres B/w and polychrome, or take the plunge to corrugation. Weather permitting, pottery will of course, be trench kiln fired. Two studios are available: the new outdoor "pottery pavilion" and the basement "kiva studio."

Accommodations
Accommodations will be provided for 6 on a first-to-register preference basis. All are close to outdoor facilities and just a short walk from the main house indoor bathrooms. In addition, there is a private solar shower area conveniently located for those who really like it natural.

The Cabin is a rustic (outside), but clean and comfortable (inside), 16 X 10 building that sleeps two and has electricity. There is a double futon on the main floor and a sleeping loft above. It has a terrific porch with a million-dollar view. A great place for a couple.

The Camper, as the name implies, is a cab-over camper with a standard-size foam bed, sink, table, electricity and plenty of storage. The camper sleeps 1 or 2. (No photo)

The Tent is a 10' X 20' new triple room tent. Each 7 X 10-foot bedroom zips closed for privacy and connects to a common central room. Beds are 30" wide, comfortable Scandinavian "cots". The site is on the bluff, with a million-dollar view, but no electricity. The tent sleeps 2.

The Sauna is an 8 X 10 redwood, cedar and aspen cabin in the summer and of course a killer sauna in the winter. It has a deck with a billion-dollar view, electricity and a futon. The sauna sleeps 1.

Local motels are available in Ignacio (15 min.) and Durango (50 min.).

Food
There will be 3 sit-down, family style meals each day. Meals begin Friday evening August 3 and conclude after the kiln opening, with breakfast, Saturday August 11. Of course, any special dietary need, will be met. Rickie is a fantastic cook who has been at this for many years, and never ceases to amaze her guests with her hearty, yet healthy offerings. Believe me, no one goes hungry at Redtail!

Cost
Cost is $1650. A $400 deposit is required to reserve your place, which is refundable if you cancel 60 days or more prior to the workshop and, of course, if the workshop for any reason is canceled. The balance is due 60 days prior to the workshop so that people on the waiting list can have planning time. Don't wait too long to register, space fills quickly.

Other Stuff
For those flying, we are 25 minutes from the Durango/La Plata airport; shuttle will be provided. If you paint, you might want to bring your gear because the scenery is inspiring. As always, bring a hat, sunscreen and camera. Days should be warm, into the 80's; nights are cool, dipping into the high 50's. We should expect short afternoon rain showers and if so, mild mosquito attacks at dusk. Plan to hike to clay sources or up the ridge for fun, but most of all, plan to have a great time!

Looking forward to seeing you at Redtail,

Swink Art
688 Raven Ridge
970/563-4624 swink@rmi.net

RAVEN RIDGE
POTTERY August 1-9, 2008

REGISTRATION

Welcome! We look forward to your participation.

Name_____________________________________________

Address____________________________________________

City______________________________ State_________________ Zip________
Phone_______________________________

E-mail______________________________

Which course? BMIII/PI_______ MV B/w_______ Corrugation_______Mimbres______

Deposit: $400
Tuition, room and board ($1250), due June 1: ____
Total enclosed: ____

Details, including map and schedule, will be mailed upon receipt of deposit.
Thank you very much for your support and interest.

Swink Art
688 Raven Ridge
Bayfield, CO 81122
970/563-4624
swink@rmi.net