Over the course of three days, participants will be guided by artist Verónica Arquilevich Guzmán to create their own ceramic spiritual animal in the tradition of Mexican Alebrijes. We will begin with an introduction on how to connect with and identify your own spiritual animal, and I will share the personal stories of how I discovered mine—people love hearing these stories.

On the first day, participants will explore pinch pot and coil techniques to build the base of their creature—whether a single animal they feel drawn to, or an imaginative hybrid of several beings. The second day will focus on bringing the animal to life by attaching wings, tails, ears, and other features, while also learning different strategies for balance and form. On the final day, we will enrich the surface through texture, carving, and wet clay details, then finish with layers of colorful underglaze inspired by traditional Alebrijes. Once all the pieces are complete, we will gather as a group to place them together, reflecting on the many unique and diverse ways to approach the same creative process. The sculptures will be left to dry slowly before firing at the Sitka Center.