Episode Details

Join Steve for a special series of podcast episodes from the Tuscarora Pottery School, made possible in part by a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council. We kick off the series with a conversation recorded in the cozy library of the historic Zweifel Rooming House, where Steve sits down with this session’s lead instructor, Jerry Hendershot, to talk clay, community, and the creative spark found in the high desert of Nevada. Tune in for the 14 to 17 Tuscarora episodes that will follow. 

In this episode of The Art Box, we sit down with ceramic artist and educator Jerry Hendershot, who led the late May session at the Tuscarora Pottery School, a creative retreat nestled in the high desert of Nevada. Jerry shares his experience guiding students through the rhythms of the clay, the inspiration found in the remote Tuscarora landscape, and the enduring legacy of Dennis and Julie Parks.

From the heat of the kiln to the quiet magic of community dinners and shared studio space, our conversation explores what makes Tuscarora such a powerful space for artistic growth. Jerry reflects on his teaching philosophy, the technical approaches explored during the workshop, and how the land itself becomes part of the creative process. Whether you're a longtime potter or simply curious about the soul of handmade craft, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into one of America’s most unique and storied pottery schools.