Tessein an Ritter

Sugar Jaws Pottery is an ongoing collaboration between Dennis Ritter and Grace Tessein. The work stems from their love of the natural world, fascination with the creatures that live in it, and the human connection formed when one uses a handmade object. It is named after their dog, Sugar Jaws, whom they adore. 

Grace Tessein has a BFA from Tyler School of Art at Temple University and a MFA from Louisiana State University. Most recently she was the 2019-2020 Artist-in-Residence at Elon University and has previously taught for Georgia Highlands College. She has worked for the Clay Studio of Philadelphia, the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum, and assisted various artists in their studios. She was a recipient of the 2017 Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award from Northern Clay Center, the 2017 Joe Bova Ceramic Art Award and Michael Daugherty Memorial Fund at LSU, and a Kiln God Award at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in 2014. She currently resides in Northwest Georgia with her partner, Dennis Ritter, and their two dogs, Sugar Jaws and Etta. 

Dennis received his BFA from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and his MFA from The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. A committed educator, Dennis has taught at the Tyler School of Art, Alfred University, and at Louisiana State University. He has also taught extensively in community arts programs in Philadelphia with The Clay Studio. Dennis Ritter is currently in his second year as visiting assistant professor in the Art Program at Berry College where he teaches ceramics and sculpture.