AJ Shipley

AJ is a ceramicist from the Southeast who has recently moved to Colorado Springs. They’re both a craftsperson and an artist, with a dual-sided studio practice that reflects these two aspects of ceramic making, producing both functional goods as well as sculptural pieces — and anything in between — using the pottery wheel. AJ is passionate about accessibility of the arts for all and creating safe spaces where anyone can feel confident in learning a new skill, with lessons tailored to each student’s specific desires for the class. No matter what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to come in and give it a go!

In 2020, after years of working various customer service jobs, AJ moved to the west coast of Ireland to attend the Limerick School of Art and Design, where they discovered their love of ceramics, informal arts education, and the importance of museum work in ensuring public access to the arts. Their ceramic work to date has focused on themes of personal and historical narrative, community, traditional ceramic practices, and queer experience. They graduated from LSAD in 2024 with a First Class Honors BA in Ceramics, and for their graduating work they were awarded the Ceramics Ireland Graduate Award as well as a Future Makers Award from the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. They returned to the States in 2025 and moved to Colorado Springs in early 2026 to continue their career in an arts-friendly community.

AJ has a patient, non-judgmental, and supportive approach to teaching, and they’re excited to share their love of creative expression with every student who comes through PPAC.