WORKSHOPS
THE ART OF PIGMENT HUNTING
The Art of Pigment Hunting workshop will be on June 15th and 16th, 2026 from 9am - 5pm each day during the Silver City Clay Festival.
Learn the art of pigment hunting and processing various geological materials that can be used to both in art and natural building. This two day workshop will provide you with educational insight into the use of apps, books, maps, and digital resources that function as a guide on for pigment hunting. Both days will focus on exploring the geological landscape looking for colorful clays and minerals. Each day will also provide hands on experiences involving different techniques for processing the colors from the Earth into pigments for uses with various binders to make inks, paints, and plasters. Depending on the nature of the geological materials they can be also be used for ceramics as an element to be incorporated into a clay body, glaze, or slip.
We will focus on learning how to use geological maps along with other resources to help explore the diverse nature of Earth's geological materials and how to process them into pigments. A variety of literature and digital resources will be provided as references for you to read through and learn about how to discover and identify colors within the landscape you call home.
Various tools used for cleaning and refining the raw material will be provided. We will use 5 gallon buckets with water to levigate the different particle sizes. Mortar and pestles will be used for grinding materials into finer particle sizes. Sieves will also be used to help sift the material and further separate particles based on size and also the desired use.
Ill be providing a variety of materials and equipment such as mortar and pestles, sieves, glass mullers, glass slabs, palette knives and paint brushes for you to use. If you would like you can bring your own materials and equipment if so desired.
THE ART OF PIGMENT HUNTING
Hiking gear such as a backpack, hiking shoes, hat, jacket, pants, water bottle, extra water, sunscreen, snacks, and a lunch.
Buckets, bags, and other recycled containers to collect materials along with a small spade or shovel that can be packed in and out with ease. I usually bring a pen to write on the bags or containers the location of the materials.
A journal or notebook of sorts can also be helpful for taking notes, writing down observations, or using to add color swatches while out in the field.
Please be prepared for the unpredictable weather of New Mexico that includes both sun and rain. If you are visiting from out of state or more importantly from a lower elevation than the high desert of 6000+ feet then just be aware of your own physical limitations and make sure to take it easy. We will be hiking off trail to some extent and you are welcome to join in or take a break based on your own needs at any point in time. Please communicate with me or the group if you need any help.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will be meeting at Whiskey Creek Zocalo in the morning at the beginning of both of the days during this two day workshop.
WHERE
Whiskey Creek Zócalo
11786 US-180 East,
Arenas Valley, NM 88022
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the limited space in these workshops please understand that your deposit will secure a place for the workshop.
After signing up for a workshop you have a 7 day grace period immediately following the purchase to receive a refund. Beyond this 7 day grace period, refunds will not be issued under any circumstance.
If you need to cancel your reservation after the 7 day grace period, your deposit can be used for a future workshop or can be transferred to someone else who can attend the workshop you signed up for.
