Art and Archaeology

Riverrun Studio - Joan Molloy Slack

Joan Molloy Slack is an artist, potter and teacher who resides in northern Wisconsin, and owns Riverrun Center for the Arts. A lifelong interest in archaeology and the first human artists led her to research the earliest known pottery and sculpture made in North America, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland and France.  She has worked with native potters learning processes of creation, decoration and firing that have been handed down for 5,000 years. Travels to Europe led her to research private collections in major museums, where she has photographed and studied the ancient pottery. Most recently, while studying Neolithic pottery making at a workshop in France, she researched the digging and processing of clay, ancient forming and firing techniques, and decoration using authentic tools such as bone, stone and fiber. She holds degrees in Art, English and Education K-12, as well as a Masters Degree in Ceramics. The art history component of her Masters Degree included research and travel to Orkney, Ireland and lower Scotland studying the ancient pottery, rock art, stone circles and Neolithic culture.

REPLICA POTTERY

Meticulous attention to process and detail brings to life replicas of a variety of pottery from early history. Custom orders of specific pieces for exhibits or sales are available. We also create a line of replica pottery in various sizes, styles and price ranges for museum shops and galleries. Please call to discuss prices for custom and available work.

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

Using site specific photos and stories from her travels and research, the past is brought to life through our presentations. Photos, examples of pottery styles and decoration, historical and cultural aspects, and visual aids are included in the presentations listed:

Slide presentation-One to three hour slide lecture

Live Demonstration-demonstration of the creation and decoration of ancient pottery (2 ½ hour minimum, up to full 8 hour day; can also be extended to include more in-depth demonstrations 2-3 days)

Demonstration and Hands-on workshop- Hands-on workshop for participants to learn the techniques and processes used by the earliest potters. This option can be scheduled by class, a full day, or up to 5 day workshop. More in depth work can be done accordingly, which can include and outdoor firing. Please call to discuss costs, maximum students and time requirements, and customizing a course to meet your needs.

Riverrun Studio 715-277-4224 | riverrun@newnorth.net | www.riverrunarts.com
Joan Molloy Slack

Samples of custom made prehistoric pottery. Samples of custom made prehistoric pottery.

Woodland pottery with cordmarked and incised designs, approximately 3" by 5" Retail price: $28.00

Small scale Oneota pottery with incised patterns, approximately 4" at center, 3" top diameter 2 small handles Retail price: $36.00

Sherds of Woodland, Oneota, Mississippian, Aztalan and other pottery. 3"-7" pieces with authentic design work and accurate shapes. Each sherd has a pierced hole for an attached information card which we supply, and sherd is noted as to site and/or style when possible Retail price: $9.00

Rock Art Designs These replicas are based upon Upper Great Lakes rock art. The clay slabs are high fired and meant to be wall hung. Sizes vary depending upon design from 3" by 5" to 6" by 9". Site specific notations are printed on back. Retail price: $20.00

One of a kind replicas of various styles either to scale or smaller versions, noting site origins Wholesale price: Range of $20-150 depending upon style and design work. Please ask for available pieces and photos.

We will create custom orders upon request; please call to discuss pricing. Photos are available for all work Orders may be placed by phone, mail or e-mail. Prices listed are retail. Shipping and handling will be added to your total.