News and Events

Kiln Firings, Receptions, and Workshops

Aine Greaney Book Reading at the Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2019):  The University Chair in Critical Thinking and the Saint John's Pottery  host a reading by the Irish-American poet and essayist Aine Greaney in honor of Colman O'Connell, OSB.

Lighting Ceremony and 15th Firing of the Johanna Kiln at the Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Friday, October 18-Sunday, October 27, 2019):  The public is invited to observe the lighting ceremony and subsequent stoking of the Johanna Kiln.

Dan Barry Book Reading at the Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Wednesday, September 12th, 2019):  The University Chair in Critical Thinking and the Saint John's Pottery host a reading by journalist Dan Barry, featuring his recent book This Land.

Forty Years On: Richard Bresnahan and Artists of the Saint John's Pottery at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, MN (March 24-May 12, 2019):  This exhibition features the work of Richard Bresnahan and nine other artists who have created in and been influenced by the Saint John's Pottery.  A panel discussion relating to the exhibit featuring Dr. Matthew Welch, Paul-Vincent Niebauer OSB, chef Raghavan Iyer, Richard Bresnahan and Samuel Johnson will be highlighted Friday, March 29, in conjunction with the National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference. 

Fred de Sam Lazaro Reception at The Saint John's Pottery (4:30-6:30, Tuesday, March 27th, 2018):  The University Chair in Critical Thinking and The Saint John's Pottery host a reception with Fred de Sam Lazaro, prior to his subsequent lecture at 7pm in the Art Center.

Lighting Ceremony and 14th Firing of the Johanna Kiln at The Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 29, 2017): The public is invited to observe the lighting ceremony and subsequent stoking of the Johanna Kiln.  This firing will honor the memory of Mitsuo Kakutani.

Edith Rylander and Larry Schug:  Poetry in Place at The Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Wednesday, April 12th, 2017): The Saint John's Pottery hosts a reading and discussion by poets Edith Rylander and Larry Schug, focusing on their shared themes of deep attachment to place.

Eamonn Wall Book Reading at The Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017):  The University Chair in Critical Thinking, The Saint John's Pottery, Department of English and the Literary Arts Institute host a reading by the Irish-American poet Eamon Wall in honor of Colman O'Connell, OSB.

Amy Halloran Book Reading at The Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Monday, March 20th, 2017):  The McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement and The Saint John's Pottery host a public reception, reading and discussion of Amy Halloran's book The New Breadbasket.

Selections From the Johanna Kiln at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts (September 29th through October 27th, 2016):  The first solo exhibition of Richard Bresnahan's work in nearly twenty years, as well as a lecture and public workshop.

Lighting Ceremony and 13th Firing of the Johanna Kiln at The Saint John's Pottery (3 p.m. Friday, October 16-Sunday, October 25, 2015): The public is invited to observe the lighting ceremony and subsequent stoking of the Johanna Kiln, the largest wood-firing kiln of its kind in North America. 

35th Anniversary Open House at The Saint John's Pottery (Saturday, June 28, 2014): Visitors to campus during SJU Alumni, Family and Friends Weekend are welcome to visit the Pottery Studio to celebrate 35 years of The Saint John's Pottery. Refreshments and studio tours will be provided throughout the day. 

Patrick Hicks Book Reading at The Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014): The University Chair in Critical Thinking, the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning, and the Saint John's Pottery host a public reception, reading, and discussion of the new Patrick Hicks novel The Commandant of Lubizec.

Visit The Saint John's Pottery at the NCECA Green Task Force booth (Wednesday, March 19-Saturday, March 22, 2014): Visitors to the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference in Milwaukee are invited to drop by the NCECA Green Task Force booth to learn more about sustainability initiatives at The Saint John's Pottery.

Larry Haeg Book Reading at The Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2014): The University Chair in Critical Thinking, the Literary Arts Institute, and the Saint John's Pottery host a public reception, reading, and discussion of author Larry Haeg's new book Harriman vs. Hill: Wallstreet's Great Railroad War.

Keynote Presentation at the Rhode Island School of Design (Friday, January 31-Sunday, February 2, 2014): This unique biennial design science conference features a keynote presentation by Richard Bresnahan, Artist-in-Residence at Saint John's University. Attendees are asked to register for this event.

Jon Hassler Poetry Reading at the Saint John's Pottery (4 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2014): The University Chair in Critical Thinking, the Literary Arts Institute, and The Saint John's Pottery host a gathering and discussion on the life of Jon Hassler and readings from the new release of Simon's Night.

Lighting Ceremony and 12th Firing of the Johanna Kiln at The Saint John's Pottery (Friday, September 27–Sunday, October 6, 2013): The public is invited to observe the wood-firing process of the Johanna Kiln, the largest kiln of its kind in North America. Located across the street from the Pottery Studio, over 50 volunteers work day and night to stoke the kiln. 

Dr. Christopher Southgate Poetry Reading at The Saint John's Pottery (4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2013): The Reuter Professorship, the Benedictine Institute, and the Saint John's Pottery host a public reception, reading, and discussion on theology and environmental ethics at the Pottery Studio.

Documentary Film Screening, Reception, and Workshop at Winona State University (Friday, January 25, 2013–Saturday, January 26, 2013): Part of the regional exhibition tour Minnesota Potters: Sharing the Fire, Richard Bresnahan will provide a lecture and Karatsu kickwheel workshop.

Exhibition Reception and Workshop at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (Friday, November 9, 2012–Sunday, November 11, 2012): Part of the national exhibition tour Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Clay, Richard Bresnahan will provide an opening lecture, gallery walkthrough, and Karatsu kickwheel workshop.