Chas Kipp

My passion for clay began as a freshman at Cranbrook Schools.  Susie Symons, a professional potter in her own right, was my teacher for 4 years.  I took ceramics and art classes while at Denison University and Baylor University.  After graduation from Baylor, I began a one year artist-in-residence with renowned potter John Glick at Plum Tree Pottery.  After that year, I was a ranch assistant at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado.  A couple of years later, I served as a substitute teacher at Cranbrook High School while Susie recovered from back surgery.
 
After that I began a professional career in finance while still working and helping a local potter, Carole Berhorst, on an off for about 12 years.  My love of clay took a back seat to my love of my children so that I could be a father and coach in all their many sports and school endeavors.
 
After a number of former artists and I reunited for John Glick’s retrospective at Cranbrook Academy of Arts 4 years ago, I came back to clay and to the BBAC with John and Susie’s encouragement.  I have been working and evolving artistically since then.  In the last year, I have been teaching adults of all skill levels wheel throwing and as much as I know about the art of functional pottery.  
 
I enjoy teaching because I love to share with others all of the experiences I have had over the years.  Particularly after John’s passing in 2017, I feel compelled to carry on, in my own small way, his rich tradition and legacy.