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My Ceramics

In the studio I like to do	Handbuilding, Sculpting
Pottery Wheel	na
Clay body	Stoneware, Porcelain
Clay Brand	Laguna
Kiln Type	Electric Kiln, Raku Kiln
Kiln Atmosphere	Reduction Atmosphere, Oxidation Atmosphere
Temperature	na
Glaze	Amaco Stroke ‘n Coat, Mayco
You can buy my work from	Yellow Dog Farm – shows

About Me

Introduction	My name is Ellen A Thompson. I am a retired long time educator. My work has been with all ages mostly in the study and understanding of literacy and multiage instruction. I am also a goat farmer! That’s right – Angora Goats! they produce very soft and luxurious mohair fiber. That makes me a fiber artist, too! we create yarns that I dye in bright colors. I spin and create art yarns for myself and others. And now… I am a newly minted clay artist! I am bring my love of animals and fiber into my clay work. I am a hand builder only. Pinching pots and animals are my favorite. I am also exploring the firing of knitted pieces to make unique sculptures. I live in South Hero, Vermont with my husband (wood turner) and son (programmer). we have a small goat farm on the shore of Lake Champlain.
What I Love about Ceramics	I love the ability to create fun, unique pieces – no two alike.
How I started with ceramics	I took a beginner class 5 years ago and have not stopped taking classes at this same studio.
What inspires me	How versatile clay is…how it conforms to the will of the maker.
What I'm working on at the moment	Getting my new kiln here and set up. Understanding how to fire it, etc. Very overwhelming at the moment.
My Artist Statement	As a fiber artist and co-owner of Yellow Dog Farm in South Hero, Vermont, I am drawn to texture and colors. We raise fiber animals to produce our mohair blend yarns, which are then dyed into vibrant colors. I use these yarns, as well as my own hand spun yarns, in my knitting and weaving to produce one of a kind items. Clay work has added a new dimension to my thinking about what constitutes art. It is malleable, full of texture and ultimately color.
My CV	Ellen A Thompson, Ed. D. Educator, goat farmer, artist 89 East Shore Road South Hero, Vermont 05486 802.734.6332 Education Doctorate of Education \| 2007 \| University of Vermont · Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Masters of Education \| 1986 \| University of Vermont · Major: Curriculum Development · Minor: Literacy Bachelors of science \| 1977 \| University of Vermont · Major: Elementary Education, K-6 · Minor: Special Education, K-12 Art Education North Country Studio Hand Building Clay workshop with Paul Briggs, January, 2025 Hand building Clay Classes, Sherry Corbin of Across the Grain Studio, South Hero, VT 2019 – present Active participation: NCECA, Richmond, Virginia, March, 2024 Art Experience President, 802ARTsHouse, Vermont Arts Region, 2023- present Member, 802ARTsHouse, 2023 – present Board member, Vermont Crafts Council, Vermont, 2019-2020 Co-owner, Grand Isle Art Works, Grand isle, Vermont, 2010-2024 Our gallery provided space for new and old artists alike. We offered classes, held gallery shows and provided sales space to over 70 artists. Member, Vermont Hand Crafters, Vermont, 2015 – 2023 Juried membership Co-Chair, Open Farms and Studio Tour, Grand Isle County, Vermont, 2006 – 2016 Maintained and promoted the Open Studio Tour of agriculture and artwork for 10 years . Founding Member, Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market, 2005 – 2011 Bi-weekly markets offering both art and agricultural products for sale. Galleries and Shops offering my art for sale: Two Sisters’ Mercantile, Jeffersonville, Vermont Must Love Yarn, South Burington, Vermont Grand Isle Art Works, Grand Isle, VT Miller’s Run Gallery, Greensboro, Vermont Sweet Grass Gallery, Williston, Vermont Art Shows & Sales Events Celebrate Vermont Festival, South Burlington, VT Vermont Hand Crafter Show, Craft Vermont Dutchess County New York, Sheep and Wool Festival, Rhinebeck, NY Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival, Tunbridge, VT New England Fiber Festival, Springfield, MA Craftproducer Shows, Stowe and Manchester, Vermont Finger Lakes Fiber Festival, Hemlock, NY