Terry Shepherd has been a Potter since 1972. He is currently Director of the ceramics program and Resident Artist at the Art Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. Since 1984 he has been teaching and developing the Art Center’s year around ceramics curriculum. He facilitates workshops with nationally and internationally know ceramic artists. Terry works in high fire reduction, stoneware and porcelain. He has introduced salt vapor, sagar and Raku firing to the Art Center’s repertoire of studio practice.
From 1972 to 1983 Terry developed and operated Shepherd Clay Studio located in the Roaring Fork Valley between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. During his years in the Aspen area, Terry was fortunate to work with Lou Wille and be mentored by Paul Soldner who’s friendship continued until Paul’s passing in 2011. Since the early 1980’s he has conducted workshops in Colorado, California, Wyoming and Maryland.
Currently, Terry curates Contemporary Clay Biennial a national juried and invitational exhibit hosted and displayed at The Art Center. The Jurors have been internationally know artists including Tom and Elaine Coleman, Pete Pinnell, Brad Miller, Steve Hilton, Jim Romberg, Bryan Yancey and Tom Collins. He is pleased to have Bill Van Gilder jury the show scheduled for 2020. He has facilitated workshops with many prominent artist including Paul Soldner, Tom Coleman, Elaine Coleman, David Wright, Rodney Mott, Peg Malloy, Michael Wisner, Bill Van Gilder, Jim Romberg and Betty Farson.
Terry has won awards and exhibited in numerous national venues including “Morphology” Invitational Exhibit, Manhattan Beach Art Center, Manhattan Beach, California. “Unbridled” Invitational Exhibit at Aspen Chapel, Aspen, Colorado. “Raku Ceramics: Origins, Impact and Contemporary Expression” Sedona, Arizona. “The Soldner Society” NCECA Tampa, Florida. “Feats of Clay XX and XXIII” Lincoln, California. Group Exhibition with Paul Soldner, Cattle Track Arts And Preservation, Scottsdale, Arizona. Raku Summit hosted by Lynette Jennings and Jim Romberg, Grand Junction, Colorado. “Standing Room Only” Scripps 60th Ceramic Exhibit in honor of Paul Soldner, Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Claremont, California.
Terry brings decades of experience and a diverse background in his approach to his work. With a strong sense of form and gesture he explores the mysteries of both ancient and contemporary methods of firing and interpretation.
