Assistant Professor
Dennis Ritter received his MFA from The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and his BFA from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. His work has been shown throughout the United States, including at MOCA Georgia, The Wassaic Project, The Clay Studio and Kennedy Museum of Art, and is held in numerous private collections throughout the country.
As an educator, Ritter is committed to promoting the power of clay as a tool for broad learning experiences that extend well beyond a traditional studio arts education. In the classroom he places a focus on exposing students to the contemporary and historic uses of clay in the arts and crafts as well as the importance of the material to technology, medicine, critical thinking and problem solving. Having taught extensively in community arts programs in Philadelphia, PA with The Clay Studio, he also works to integrate community arts projects and outreach opportunities as part of his courses.
Ritter’s studio research explores the role of common objects as foundational markers for identity and memory. These objects are often juxtaposed with one another to create works that reference domestic spaces, second-hand sales and the personal collection. His sculptures, large scale installations and photography are rooted clay and ceramic processes. His intention in working with these processes and materials is to create illusions which exist at the blurred nexus of personal myth and cultural identity.