A Global Community crafted in Rural Nevada
Founding & Faculty
In 1966, the late Dennis Parks, along with his wife and their two sons, departed from a secure tenure track to embark on a journey to start a rural pottery school, which would become a hub of creativity and community. Julie Parks, with her warm Southern charm and culinary prowess, extended a welcoming embrace to visitors and students alike. What began as an ambitious venture has grown into a renowned institution offering unique classes and attracting individuals from around the globe.
Campus & Facilities
Acquired by the Parks family in 1972, the historic Zweifel Rooming House is the residence for students. In addition to the hotel, the school also boasts two spacious studios, each with its own distinct character. A geodesic dome, dedicated to wheel throwing, stands as the first structure to be built since the local mines dried up. Adjacent to the throwing dome is a building constructed from bricks pressed from the very soil that envelops Tuscarora. Summer after summer, the school yard is transformed into a lush oasis adorned with a captivating tapestry of sculptural memorabilia.
Over the years classes have evolved into immersive retreat-style workshops, spanning from several days to two weeks. Although we are supported in part by the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, the school's ethos is primarily sustained by dedicated board members, friends, and volunteers who wear multiple hats as staff and instructors. Their commitment perpetuates a tradition of delivering a profoundly engaging rural ceramics education while fostering a community of makers and thinkers in the process. In Tuscarora, the art of pottery transcends mere craftsmanship; it is a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of creativity and community.