Steve Degenhart

I began my interest in clay at the University of Montana in the early 1970’s where I was fortunate enough to study under the likes of Rudy Autio and Beth Lo. Shortly after I headed to Colorado to live on the Anderson Ranch Art Center which was newly founded by Paul Soldner.

Along with ceramics, I learned to build kilns, cook family meals and tend chickens. We taught ourselves to ski on some old skis we found at the Snowmass dump and rode broncs and bulls at the nightly rodeo. I continued my studies in New Mexico where I furthered my interest in kiln construction and salt firing.

I moved back to Billings in the late 1970’s and started Five Mile Pottery. I have worked as a potter and pottery teacher to adults and children for the past 46 years. I enjoy working on large thrown pieces, sculptures, sinks, dish sets and functional pieces.