The Ryman Auditorium
- Ceramics,
- $3,299
- Tammy Gentuso
The Ryman is part of an ongoing architectural sculpture series which includes the Ryman; the Hard Rock Café gift shop (formerly known as the Silver Dollar Saloon); Acme Feed & Seed;
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge; and Merchants.
The Ryman was built using strong, groggy Soldate clay. Its seams were reinforced to ensure a sturdy structure; then detail was added one brick at a time. After carefully air drying, it was bisque-fired. After this first firing, the Ryman was given a manganese wash to give it grungy detail and then it was boldly painted using vivid underglazes inside and out. Afterwards, it was brushed with a clear low-fire glaze and slowly fired to 1888° with the roof/lid in place to avoid warping and ensure proper fit once out of the kiln.