About Reclaim The Cup 

Artist Andrew Castañeda leads workshop-goers in fearless exploration beyond conventional ideas of the “cup”. Andrew has spent the last decade working in the field of ceramics, engaging various forms, materials, and community in his work.

Imagine a spectrum from ultra-efficient-functionality on one end, to absurdity on the other. Often, cups fall on the efficient-function end of this spectrum. In this workshop we slide down that scale toward the absurd, expanding notions of usefulness and cups, and making exciting, inspiring, and empowering discoveries along the way.

Community-sourced materials and found objects (ceramic and otherwise!) fuel an afternoon of craft/anti-craft re-imagining and re-mixing. Donated materials include pottery ‘seconds’ which may not meet the standard of the maker. Via a Reclaim The Cup workshop, these seconds begin a new life.

Construction and Deconstruction stations offer opportunities for cutting, gluing, zip-tying, decorating, laughing at, hypothesizing new possibilities in form and function, and expanding the ceramic process beyond a “final” glaze firing.

Documentation becomes a showcase for cup innovations in form and function. This is an anything-goes exploration — collaboration and play are highly encouraged. No prior experience necessary, all are welcome.