Well known in the art community, Dennis is a potter, jeweler and an art educator. He has a BA in art education from Brigham Young University and an MFA in ceramic sculpture from Utah State University. A Utah native, Dennis retired from teaching at Provo High School and now finds many personal rewards being a ‘full-time’ artist.

Perhaps Dennis’ most profound area of expertise is that of his work with clay – which is esteemed throughout the art community. He has had a long and rewarding relationship with clay, which includes the basics of the traditional functional forms to the more dramatic, sensitive expressions of art.

As an artist, his passion fuels his drive to create, stating, “I can still find challenges working with a piece of clay because there are no limits to the possibilities. As an artist, there is no greater reward than creating with the primal elements of earth, water, and fire. The feel of the clay in my hands is stimulating. The response of my touch is rewarding – and there is always an air of excitement opening a kiln. The basic high fire glazes are rather predictable, but those unpredictable patterns from the raku and salt firings can be truly exhilarating. When asked which is my best piece, I always answer ‘the next one’."

The ancient pottery work of the Anasazi has also been a great inspiration to Dennis. “I have spent many years studying their technique. Learning to replicate the black on white, black on black and the pit-fire techniques needed for this beautiful pottery has been a rewarding challenge. I taught Primitive Technologies of Pottery at Freemont Indian State Park for 15 years. This is a three or four day summer workshop. Gathering the clay, hand-building the forms, making paint, chopping the wood and digging the pit kiln gives a complete overview of the many processes needed to replicate a pot.”

Dennis was an integral part of the implementation of the Art Shack at the Sundance Resort in Utah seven years ago, and has been a resident artist since its’ inception. The art shack provides lesson opportunities in many art disciplines. He teaches silversmith, wheel-thrown pottery, and sculpture classes. The Sundance Art Shack also maintains an art gallery for the instructors as part of the facility.