Harold Eaton Riegger, Hal Riegger

Born    1913 Ithaca, New York

Died   2005

EDUCATION

1931    School of Organic Education, Fairhope, Alabama 

1938    BS New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

1946    MA Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

APPRENTICESHIPS & RESIDENCIES

1938 Homer Laughlin Pottery Co. East Liverpool, Ohio

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1939-1942       Museum School of Industrial Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1947-1950       California School of Fine Arts (now San Francisco Art Institute), San Francisco, California

1955-1957       California College of Arts and Crafts, Oklahoma, California

1958-1961       Florida Gulf Coast Art Center, Clearwater, Florida

BIOGRAPHY

Hal Riegger is known for earthenware stoneware pottery. Riegger began experimenting with raku firing in 1948 and is believed to be one of the first potters to raku fire work in North America. Riegger also experimented with pit firing techniques.  In the 1950’s Riegger began making hand built abstract figurative sculptures incorporating mixed media elements, such as metal, fiber, and wood.

Riegger was an influential teacher; among his students were Robert Brady, Rick Dillingham, and John Dumas.

In 1962, Riegger developed “Experiment A Workshops,” a series of events held outside focused on teaching primitive ceramic techniques. These workshops took place around the United States.