We’re thrilled to welcome three new Artists-in-Residence to the Sawtooth community! Over the next year, these talented artists will develop new work, expand their creative practices, engage with our community, and support studio operations.
Ceramics Artists in Residence
Our new Ceramics Artists in Residence are Sadie McLaughlin (Jacksonville, FL) and Ryan Catalano (Mebane, NC).
“This incoming group of ceramic residents blends functional and sculptural mastery with a vibrant range of artistic visions,” said Po Wen Liu, our Director of Ceramics. “I look forward to seeing how they grow as established ceramic artists and enrich our vibrant creative community.”
Sadie McLaughlin is a Florida-raised ceramic artist and educator who develops work that exists on the boundary between functional and sculptural forms. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Florida, where she concentrated her studies in painting, drawing, and printmaking. She continued her studies at the university as a post-baccalaureate student in the ceramics program for several years, while also working as an instructor and studio technician at Jacksonville Pottery Studio.
Ryan Catalano is a potter from Mebane, NC, specializing in utilitarian ceramics. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2024 with a BFA in ceramics and a minor in communication. His love for utilitarian objects began with his grandmother’s cherished Pyrex and CorningWare. These dishes evoke feelings of joy, community, and togetherness and motivate him to infuse his pottery with that same spirit. Ryan was a resident artist at the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft and has exhibited his work across the country. Follow on Instagram @ryancatalano_ceramics
Gondring Resident in Woodworking
Our new Gondring Resident in Woodworking is Osamu Sassa (or Sam) from Rockland, Maine.
Osamu Sassa is a designer/maker based in Rockland, Maine. Following a 20+ year career in architecture, Osamu or “Sam” turned his design focus to woodworking as a graduate of the Nine-month Comprehensive at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship (CFC) in Rockport, Maine, and later served as teaching assistant for the same program. His work has been exhibited at Penland, Maine Wood, as well as several other shows at the CFC, including Everyday Heirlooms, New Work by Faculty, and their Alumni and Fellows Show. In addition, he has been granted fellowships and residencies at Haystack, Penland and the CFC, the latter two where he has also taught. For more of his work, visit mutsukuri.com.
“Sam’s craft is already highly defined with his attention to detail and precision using traditional as well as modern digital design tools. His work extolls refined simplicity and beauty while keeping usability a priority.” said David Draper, our Director of Wood Programs. “Sam’s commitment to engage with the local community as well as broader North Carolina and Appalachian craft movement is a primary reason he was selected for this residency. This engagement will provide an opportunity for growth and enlightenment for Sam and his craft, as well as for those he works with. We are very excited to welcome Sam to Sawtooth and can’t wait to see how his design ideas flourish and expand with the dedicated studio time, teaching opportunities, and his exposure to the creative talents and rich heritage of our region.”
Schupbach-Gordon Residency in Printmaking
Cora McAnulty is returning for 2026-2027 Schupbach-Gordon Residency in Printmaking. Cora is from Kernersville, NC
Cora McAnulty is a printmaking, book arts, and installation artist from North Carolina. She graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill with a B.F.A. in Studio Art and a B.S. in Statistics, where she received highest honors for her senior thesis exploring the intersection of stats and art. She’s worked as a data analyst for the Harris-Walz campaign and for political and nonprofit fundraising firms.
“My work explores using real world numbers as a generative system for art making. As someone who has studied and worked in statistics, I’m fascinated by the ways numbers can be twisted and abused. I use real data as a basis for chaotic, illogical, obsessive art works. I’m fascinated by this headspace of conspiracy and irrationality, and connecting this back to data, in order to highlight its fallibility.” You can see more of her work on her site coramcanulty.com.