BIO

Billy Ritter is a visual artist working in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born in Ellwood City, PA and grew up in Western Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Kent State University (MFA), Slippery Rock University (BFA), and studied abroad at The Academy of Fine Art and Design (VŠVU Výročie) in Bratislava, Slovakia.

For the past decade he has taught and inspired many as an Adjunct Professor of Art: (Ceramics, Drawing, Art Appreciation) at Cuyahoga Community Colleges Western, Eastern, and Metro Campuses. Over the past 15 years he has taught Ceramics Classes and Workshops at many of the Community Art Centers and Institutions throughout North East Ohio.

Billy exhibits and sells his work at his studio, as well as at many markets and shows throughout Northern Ohio. Atmospheric firing, community, and story telling through process, are the focus of his work. His limited editions of vessels and functional tablewares are utilized by chefs, home cooks, photo studios, and collectors both nationally and internationally.

PROCESS

My editions of studio works are always changing; timeless and classic in their moments. This divergence lends itself to collectibility, keeps the work fresh and new, and assures that you have something truly unique. Aside from my small editions and one-off studio works, I hand craft private commissions, installations, and wedding registries.

Each piece that comes from my studio is made by my hands, here in Cleveland, almost always from start to finish. The wares are hand-built or “thrown” using a potters wheel. I mix all my glazes from raw materials using tried and true recipes. All of my creations are high fired to cone ten using the process of natural gas and / or wood fired reduction.

COMMUNITY

I welcome you and your group, and encourage you to visit my studio, where I am always happy to give tours, answer questions, and sell my finished works in the studio showroom.

Simply message me on the contact page, call or text the studio to arrange your visit today.

Lastly, I encourage you to discover the depth of my studio process and life as an artist on Instagram @billyritter77 (social links below)