All of our teachers are working artists, professional art educators, and art historians, carefully matched to the classes they teach. If you are looking for a specific teacher/artist not listed, please email us at creativeworkshop@mag.rochester.edu.
Roxana Aparicio Wolfe, an arts educator with over twenty years of experience in Rochester, teaches art appreciation classes for adults (and motivated teens). She fosters lively discussions by blending prepared lectures weaving history, social and political themes, and the concerns of the artists she discusses. Roxana frequently includes artworks from the museum’s permanent collection and visiting exhibitions. She holds an MA in Visual Arts Administration from Columbia University Teachers College and a BA in painting and printmaking from Hartwick College. Roxana has worked as a museum educator at George Eastman House and currently, she teaches art history at St. John Fisher College.
Sue Barnes has an impressive history of involvement in the greater Rochester Arts Community, both as an artist and educator. With nearly two decades of teaching experience at the Creative Workshop, Flower City Arts Center, and The Studio, she emphasizes fun, hands-on engagement in her classes. Specializing in ceramics and fiber arts, Sue’s whimsical creations aim to inspire joy. Her work has been featured in Artist’s Row and Craft Co. #6. Outside of her artistic pursuits, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, camping, and kayaking.
Sara Blake is a multi-faceted artist, instructor, athletic coach, fitness trainer, and mother. She studied art history at Monroe Community College while simultaneously pursuing her Bachelor of Arts at the State University of Buffalo. Blake brings passion and encouragement to her students at the Creative Workshop, teaching a variety of classes for both children and adults. Her abstract paintings reflect vibrant colors and organic shapes, conveying personal emotions with universal meanings. She also leads art discussions at Rundel and supervises children at Bristol Mountain’s Child Care Center, promoting creativity and healthy activities.
Whitney Brown, a Creative Workshop instructor since 2017, brings over 15 years of experience in creative arts and working with children. She enjoys capturing the beauty of mundane objects and places in her art, expressing herself through various mediums. Whitney has taught Zulu beading during MAG’s Black History Month Celebration and plans to lead a class combining cartooning, drawing, and painting for children at MAG. Whitney has explored cartooning, character rigging in animation, traditional drawing and painting techniques, and illustration in her work.
Kevin Carr brings over a decade of teaching experience in painting, drawing, fibers, and printmaking, emphasizing his students’ interests and aspirations in a supportive environment. His interdisciplinary practice spans paintings, quilts, drawings, and sculptures, focusing on color play, material history, process, and identity aesthetics. Carr’s work has been exhibited nationally, including in Portland, Chicago, Gloucester, and St. Louis. He holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BFA from The Art School of Alfred University. He currently resides in Farmington, enjoying movie nights with his partner and two cats.
Tom Carpenter, an artist and educator, has exhibited and taught internationally. He has taught drawing, photography, and clay at the Creative Workshop since 2000. With an M.A. from Buffalo State College and a B.S. from Nazareth College, he’s regarded as a leading practitioner in Electrophotography who has contributed his knowledge and work to Photographic Possibilities: The Expressive Use of Concepts, Ideas, Materials, and Processes, Fourth Edition. Tom has taught workshops at the Whitney Museum of American Art that introduced participants to the relatively unknown history of early photo copy and flat plate photography.
Gabriel Cruz is the morning registrar at the Creative Workshop (since 2023). His knowledge from his previous role as an aftercare coordinator, where he organized artistic activities for elementary school children, aids him in this role. Outside of work, Gabriel channels his passion for drawing, animating, and writing comics, fueled by his deep interest in art history and admiration for famous artists. Actively engaged in the Rochester art community, he finds inspiration and fulfillment through collaboration and sharing his work with the public.
Lisa Daniels has been an art teacher at Sodus Central School since 2001. She likes working with all levels of students but especially enjoys the elementary grades. She is always excited to open the kiln and see how everything turned out! She enjoys the look of wonder on her student’s faces when they pull a print or do something they didn’t know they could. She finds inspiration in nature, color, patterns, and people, especially her family.
Eddie Davis III, a Rochester native with a background in Industrial Design and Sculpture, has dedicated over two decades to both creating and teaching art. Beginning as a teaching assistant at the Creative Workshop in 2001, Eddie’s recent endeavors during the pandemic include collaborating with his mother on large-scale plant sculptures, such as a llama, an edible ‘Veggie-Bull,’ and their latest creation, ‘Beastie,’ showcasing his innovative approach to art and collaboration.
Zara Davis, a ceramic and fine artist, graduated from RIT in 2019 with a BFA in ceramics. She was a Flower City Arts resident artist for three years and runs a small jewelry business alongside her ceramic work, showcasing her intricate pieces at local shops (Shop One, RIT, and THE STORE @ MAG) and online. Zara’s multidisciplinary approach incorporates painting, drawing, jewelry, and fiber arts into her ceramic practice, focusing on showcasing the sumptuous nature of the body and strength of femininity. Since graduating, she has taught a variety of classes and ages, encouraging students to explore multiple mediums, to create pieces that are wholly unique.
Linda DelMonte has been teaching children’s clay classes at the Creative Workshop since 1987, drawing from her own experiences as a former student. Her work is cherished in private collections worldwide in England, Germany, and Israel and has been showcased at prominent festivals like MAG’s M&T Bank Clothesline Festival and the Corn Hill Festival. Linda’s teaching is enriched by her travels, where she gathers inspiration to share with her students.
Lizz deSimone, a printmaker, painter, and bread baker, holds a BFA in Printmaking, Painting, and Art History from SUNY Purchase. With experience in teaching high school art and special education, she has led classes and curated shows in New Jersey and New York. Lizz enjoys creating multiples of linoleum cut prints and batches of sourdough bread, which she happily shares with friends. Working from her home studio, she resides with her sourdough starter, Vincent VanDough, and her German Rottweiler, Dilly Bean.
Aubrey Donovan has been teaching children’s and family art classes since 2014 at the Creative Workshop. She holds a Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. With experience as the Humane Education and Outreach Manager at Lollypop Farm, she developed community-oriented programs and resources. Aubrey’s diverse background includes teaching in schools, practicing art therapy, and facilitating engaging art programs at the Memorial Art Gallery, emphasizing collaborative and creative learning environments.
Lucy Winters Durkin is a dedicated art historian and educator in the Rochester community. Alongside her role at MAG, she has been teaching art history at the Eastman School of Music since 1996, where she shares her passion for culture with undergraduates. Lucy’s teaching approach focuses on making art more accessible through analyzing artistic choices and understanding historical context. Lucy loves getting distracted by solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles and cooking with friends, and she finds tranquility through kayaking and listening to loons at her cottage in the Adirondacks.
Skyler Elfeldt, an artist and art educator, is passionate about helping anyone find a love for art. With a background in both art and dance, she graduated from Pratt University with a BFA and MS in Art and Design Education. Her approach emphasizes incorporating personal interests into artistic exploration. Through classroom instruction and gallery tours, Skyler guides students to interpret artwork and apply it to their own creations. She frequently experiments with various mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics, in her own work.
Unique Fair, a Fine Artist from Rochester, seeks to use his skill set as an artist and activist to empower people to be the change they wish to see in the world. With a BFA in Illustration and an MFA in Studio Arts from RIT, he teaches painting, drawing, and printmaking while exploring themes of oppression, liberation, and the friction between in his artwork. His achievements have included his work being collected by the Memorial Art Gallery, and winning the Print Club of Rochester’s BIPOC residency. Additionally, Fair’s artwork has been accepted into a number of exhibitions. This includes the 67th Finger Lakes Exhibition at the Memorial Art Gallery, the Turn Left Here Exhibition at the UUU Gallery, the Wall to Wall Exhibition at the Flower City Arts Center, and his Thesis Exhibition at City Arts Space. Unique’s artwork has also been collected by the RIT Library Archives, and he currently has his work displayed at the Central Library of Rochester.
Jason Ferguson, a Rochester native, discovered his passion for art early on, drawing inspiration from diverse sources like abstract impressionism and Renaissance illustrations. After apprenticing as a tattoo artist in 2000, he pursued a fine arts degree from Nazareth College, specializing in painting and studying metalworking, illustration studies, and art history in Florence, Italy. With a commitment to expressing the human condition, he’s explored various mediums, including ceramics, which he teaches with enthusiasm. Recognized for his versatility, Jason showcased his talent in a solo exhibition at Nazareth College in 2021 and was a finalist on the Game Show Network’s Skin Wars Fresh Paint in 2016.
Amy Jarnagin Fisher designed online teacher resources for MAG’s online education department, taught as an art & design technology instructor and has studied art history in Italy and London. Her extensive experience teaching diverse demographics in a variety of settings, including the gallery space and art studio makes her a great addition to the Creative Workshop! She focuses on leading through experiences to build skills in art viewing and art making so participants have the opportunity to construct meaning and images that are unique to themselves.
Dave Gardner is an architect turned artist from Rochester who intertwines his architectural training with his passion for art, utilizing skills in perspective, composition, and color to create meaningful and emotive pieces. With over 50 years of experience in drawing, painting, and design, Dave emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and encouragement in artistic development, drawing from his own journey as a Creative Workshop student. His work, ranging from landscapes to portraits, has garnered both local and national recognition, reflecting his love for telling visual stories, often through plein air painting inspired by his travels.
Brooks Girsch, a returning Rochester native, teaches art with a focus on exploring various mediums as tools for observation and thought. With a welcoming approach, she emphasizes art as a universally accessible human practice, particularly enjoying working with children and beginners. Proficient in oil painting and printmaking, Brooks has practiced professionally in New York City and London for significant periods. Holding a fine art degree from Columbia University, she has garnered prestigious residencies and exhibited her work internationally in cities like New York, Washington DC, Chicago, London, and more.
Faith Gruver, a dedicated member of the Creative Workshop since 2016, merges her passion for art and museum studies in her teaching role. With a BFA in Illustration from RIT, she also excels in book illustration and portrait commissions. Faith volunteers at local art centers and is actively engaged in her community. She participates in artist panels and collaborates with educational programs. Teaching remains a favorite way for her to make art accessible to all. She gently guides students through painting and drawing from her own journey as a reformed perfectionist.
Grace Gumina, a Webster native, intertwines her love for teaching and art, finding incredible joy. As an entrepreneur, teacher, and artist, she fosters strong connections with her students while nurturing their creativity. With a background in painting, illustration, clay, and writing, Grace draws inspiration from portraits, nature, narratives, and messy art. After creating her own after-school art program in Cleveland, she emphasizes kindness, play, and support in her teaching approach, prioritizing a safe and compassionate classroom environment where students can thrive. For Grace, the magic of creating is unparalleled, and her greatest passion lies in helping others discover and embrace their own creative potential.
Paul Harp has been teaching clay classes at the Creative Workshop since 2003 and manages the ceramics studio (a role in which he is responsible for firing all work in the clay classes). With a BA in art education, he shares his throwing skills and enthusiasm for clay with beginners and continuing students. Paul’s functional stoneware and Raku are locally represented at Craft Company No. 6 and have been featured in Rochester Magazine and the Democrat & Chronicle. He previously worked as an instructor/ceramic technician for the University of Buffalo, where he first began to enjoy sharing his knowledge and technical skills for working with clay with others.
Sarah Hart has been teaching at the Creative Workshop since 2007. With a BFA from Meredith College, Sarah studied oil painting and drawing in Paris with fresco painter Ben Long IV. She capped her formal art education with an intensive study of classical oil painting methods for figure and portraiture at Cecil Studios in Florence. She considers herself very much a student to this day. She and her husband own Classic Adventures, a bicycle adventure travel company that offers cycling tours throughout Europe and North America. They also purchased/renovated an old (circa 1840) Erie Canal Building, which is home to Hart Gallery 27 and eight working artist studios.
Laurence E. Keefe’s lifelong journey in the graphic arts began with classes at the Catholic University of America, followed by a career that included photojournalism and marketing for Light Impressions. His passion for watercolor painting was sparked by the work of Rochester master Ralph Avery, leading him back to his first love after a career in industrial automation. Keefe has studied under-noted artists at the Creative Workshop, including Dick Kane, Jeanne Lindsay, and Paul Allen Taylor. He has exhibited in various student shows, winning awards at juried shows and been accepted as a signature member of the Rochester Art Club. Primarily focused on landscapes inspired by the Finger Lakes, he finds joy in sharing the magic of painting with his students.
Taylor Kennedy, a multi-media artist, is interested in conceptualizing the sentimental narratives behind the family dynamic in an attempt to understand the cyclical nature of people and family lineages. She works in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and installation. With a BFA from RIT and an MFA from Pratt Institute, she shares her expertise as an adjunct faculty member at RIT and has been a teaching artist in Rochester and Brooklyn. Taylor’s work has been showcased at Norman Schafler Gallery, The Boiler/Pierogi Gallery, and The International Print Center of New York, and she currently serves as an Artist-in-Residence at Rochester’s Flower City Arts Center. Explore her art at www.taylormkennedy.com.
Dale Klein is a longstanding member of the Creative Workshop since 2011, and a printmaker and painter with a keen interest in the post-industrial landscape of Upstate New York. Transitioning from a career in social work, she found inspiration in childhood and adult art courses, shaping her journey as an artist. Dale empowers adult students to discover their artistic voice while guiding them through technical and creative decisions. With a BS in studio art from Nazareth College and an MFA from Rutgers, Dale’s prints have exhibited in many national juried and solo shows, earning her a place in various public collections been awarded residencies at Hambidge, The Millay Colony, and the Vermont Studio Center.
Joanne LaChiusa, a longtime instructor at the workshop, leverages her expertise as a metalsmith and jewelry designer to inspire students to craft unique jewelry pieces. With a background in designing for mass production and a passion for imbuing symbolism into unique creations, she fosters a relaxed and enjoyable class environment where students can explore their creativity. Joanne’s designs have garnered international recognition and can be found in major retail outlets and collections worldwide. Notable creations include the “Failure is Impossible” pin and VOTE jewelry, available at the Susan B. Anthony House and RIT’s Shop One2.
Danielle Lavell is a lifelong museum educator from California’s central coast. With a BA in Art History and Mathematics from UCLA and an MA in Museum Studies from New York University, she has a strong foundation in education and museum practices. Danielle’s passion for hands-on learning led her to roles at institutions including the Bay Area Discovery Museum and RMSC, where she empowered children through interactive educational programs. Danielle looks forward to continuing her mission of inspiring young minds through art and exploration in the Creative Workshop!
Brennan Leva holds undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood/Childhood Education and Theatre Arts from SUNY New Paltz, focusing on set and costume design. After teaching Pre-K in Queens and earning her master’s in special education from Hunter College in NYC, she returned home in 2018 to teach in Webster. With extensive teaching experience and a passion for working with children, she looks forward to bringing her skills to the Creative Workshop, following years of involvement with the Rochester Museum and Science Center’s camp programs.
Christie Lundberg, a Cum Laude BFA graduate from Nazareth College, found her passion for teaching through her ceramic studio, CLMCERAMICS. Her commitment to personal growth and positivity shapes her teaching philosophy, focusing on individualized learning experiences and fostering creativity. With an emphasis on experimentation and continuous learning in her own work, Christie encourages others to embrace every step of their artistic journey.
Hinda Mandell, Ph.D., an accomplished professor at RIT’s School of Communication, brings her expertise in craftivism and gender studies to the Creative Workshop, where she will teach new Fiber Arts classes focusing on hand-sewing and knitting. With a background in global craftivism, she is currently working on her book Crafting Choice: Handcraft and Abortion Politics in the U.S. Mandell is editor of Crafting Dissent: Handicraft as Protest from the American Revolution to the Pussyhats (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019); co-curator and co-editor of Crafting Democracy: Fiber Arts and Activism (RIT Press, 2019); a co-editor of Nasty Women and Bad Hombres: Gender and Race in the 2016 US Presidential Election (University of Rochester Press, 2018), among other titles. Hinda merges art with activism, exploring social reform through craft. Her impactful work has been recognized and acquired by institutions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, reflecting her dedication to using art as a tool for change. Since 2017, she has organized maker interventions on issues of social reform tied to geographic places, reaching 2,000 craft participants. You can find her on Instagram at @crochetactivism.
Kerina Mangiaracina, a multimedia artist specializing in jewelry design and printmaking, transitioned from a two-decade career in hairdressing to pursue art full-time after finding inspiration at the Creative Workshop. Her outstanding achievements include first place in a student show at MCC, recognition in the League of Innovations Award at the Mercer Gallery, and the prestigious “Tiffany” Award for High Standards at RIT. She shares her passion by teaching in the arts foundation at RIT and instructing a dual program for homeschooled high school students through MCC while continuing to create art and jewelry in her studios. Now, she’s returned to her artistic roots at The Creative Workshop.
Ben Mayer-Fried honed his ceramics skills in high school and continued his education at Alfred University and Brockport College. He’s passionate about teaching students of all levels and loves to create commissions-working pieces to realize someone’s vision with them. Ben splits his time between pottery and parenting his son. He also plays drums in a local band, explores the kitchen, and delves into interests like global history, cosmology, and quantum physics mainly through documentaries.
Stacy Mayou, who received a BFA from the University of Maine, has over thirty years of experience in marketing and freelance graphic artistry. After exploring the world and living in Maine, Florida, England, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, she moved back to Rochester and now channels her passion for art into teaching photography, drawing, and painting at the Creative Workshop. She focuses on helping artists establish a solid foundation and develop their own unique style.
Warren Mianecke, an instructor at the Creative Workshop since 1992, emphasizes creativity, discovery, and laughter in his drawing classes. With a BA in Studio Art and an AA in advertising art, he guides students to express themselves honestly and proudly through art, particularly focusing on preschoolers’ joyful engagement in the creative process. Warren also serves as the night registrar at the Creative Workshop.
Joan Nichols is a multi-talented artist, teacher, and entrepreneur with a diverse background in painting and yoga. Specializing in vibrant florals and landscapes, she is passionate about guiding beginners to create authentic paintings. With over twenty-nine years of yoga experience and extensive training, Joan is a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher/Trainer who has taught in various settings, including schools across Upstate NY. She shares her mindfulness and yoga education expertise as an adjunct professor at St. John Fisher and owner of Inspire Yoga, LLC. Alongside her teaching, Joan is a Fine Artist, having studied in London and Italy, with her artwork showcased on her website, https://joanmargaret.com/.
Bobby Padilla is the owner of Roc Paint Sip who transitions into teaching painting, drawing, and related classes at the Creative Workshop, drawing from years of artistic practice and teaching experience. Holding a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art, he brings a rich background in public art, private collections, and graphic design, with a commitment to community engagement through mentorship and coaching. As a member of the Visitor Industry Council of Visit Rochester, he promotes the city’s offerings, while his blog explores art, family, and current events. Passionate about family, painting, and baseball, Bobby eagerly anticipates connecting with students at MAG, emphasizing art as a means of learning and fostering connections.
Dejan Pejovic is a seasoned instructor who has been at the Creative Workshop since 1994. The experience he brings to his sculpture and drawing classes is informed by his own childhood experiences as a workshop student. With a diverse educational background including studies in Toronto, London, Philadelphia, and Rome, Dejan’s work has been showcased in exhibitions internationally and commissioned for various prestigious projects. He owns and operates a ceramic shell bronze foundry specializing in artwork and architectural casting. Dejan addresses each student’s unique needs and potential rather than adhering to a universal teaching method. His classes prioritize modes of observation and facilitate student projects within specific mediums, fostering individual growth and creativity.
Jennielyz Santana-Vega, known as Jenny, is a Ceramics Teacher for kids aged seven to nine at the Creative Workshop, drawing on her five years of experience. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Rochester with artistic influences from her oil-painter mother, Jenny is fluent in Spanish and English and is enthusiastic about offering classes to Spanish-speaking children. While at the School of the Arts, Jenny developed her own art skills, and through her work at the Creative Workshop, she was able to explore them further while working with younger students. Her medium of choice is clay, and she also enjoys making mixed media with needlework, painting, and pencil art. Inspired by Frida Kahlo, she fosters creativity through clay and mixed media, cherishing the vibrant art community and her students’ artistic growth.
g.a Sheller has taught painting at the Creative Workshop since 1983. She has shared her expertise worldwide, guiding students from beginners to advanced levels to expressively capture their surroundings. With a BFA from the College of New Rochelle and additional studies at Penn State and Yale, g. a.’s colorful interpretations of landscapes blend painting with various techniques. Recognized in Who’s Who in American Art and a Member of Excellence by the Atlanta Artists Center, her artwork has earned national exhibitions and competition accolades. Represented by prestigious galleries like the Oxford Gallery and Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery, g. a.’s work can be found in notable corporate and institutional collections, including Chase Bank, the Memorial Art Gallery, Xerox Corporation, and IBM.
Sara Silvio brings over twenty years of experience in jewelry making to her popular Coolest Jewels class for teens. Her practice focuses on being in the moment and expressing heartfelt inspiration rather than following trends. Sara’s journey has taken her from learning about the gem-buying trade in San Francisco from leading classes for women in Manhattan to running her own studio, here in Rochester. In her teaching, she emphasizes mindfulness, creativity, and community, guiding students to develop their skills and feel amazing about themselves.
Mimi Smith, a weaving instructor for over 20 years, learned to weave at the Creative Workshop. She has taught across the area, including the Rochester Museum & Science Center and the Weavers’ Guild. She has participated in seminars nationally and given workshops in Vancouver, St. Louis, Orlando, Cincinnati, and Minneapolis. Mimi enjoys experimenting with weave structures and exploring new designs, colors, and textures and loves to push traditional techniques to new levels. As both an artist and teacher, she finds joy in guiding students through their creative journey, celebrating their growth, and helping them overcome challenges along the way.
Shelly Green Stoler, who has taught ceramics at the Creative Workshop since 1996, emphasizes patience, process, and a relaxed atmosphere in her classes. Her wheel-thrown pottery (available at the Gallery Store) reflects the craftsmanship she instills in her students. Shelly studied at SUNY Cortland and RIT, conducted workshops for the NYS Art Teacher Association, and was a visiting instructor in the Rochester City School District. Her work has been exhibited at the Ward Gallery, Dawson Gallery, and Craft Company #6 and has won Merit Awards at MAG’s M&T Bank Clothesline Festival.
Maddie Stuart earned her BFA in Studio Art, specializing in Ceramics, from Nazareth College in 2015. Her multimedia thesis, “Interdimensionality,” explored the fusion of 2D and 3D art, inspired by her semester abroad in Rennes, France. With a passion for art, she’s exhibited her work across Rochester, including the Flower City Arts Center, the Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester, and the Main Street Arts Center. Maddie honed her sculpting skills at a local bakery, working in nontraditional artistic media of fondant, buttercream, gum paste, and other sweet treats, all while managing a small team of bakers. As a student at the Creative Workshop, Maddie looks forward to sharing her knowledge and advancing her skills as an educator.
Katie Jo Suddaby is one of the few Westerners trained in Tibetan Buddhist sand mandala making, with training from monks in the US and Nepal. She is very interested in world religions and their devotional art practices, holding a BA in Religion and Philosophy and a Master of Divinity. She loves rare and unusual art forms, including quilling, costume-making, and collage, but the common thread is a love of process. A class with Katie Jo emphasizes the enjoyment of mindful making; feeling deeply centered while creating art is the greatest gift she hopes to give her students.
Joseph D. Tarantelli, hailing from Honeoye Falls, has cultivated a lifelong passion for art, aspiring to guide students in discovering their artistic voice. With a BFA in Fine Arts Studio from RIT, he interned at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center before co-directing RIT’s Gallery r while pursuing his MFA. Known for his plein air painting, Tarantelli’s works have been showcased locally, including at MAG’s 64th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, and have earned national recognition. He is deeply invested in uncovering, sharing, and celebrating the vibrant creativity of Rochester’s art scene.
Rose VanTyne, a former student turned instructor, has been teaching at the Creative Workshop since 2008 and serves as the Ceramic Technician, ensuring the studio runs smoothly. She coordinates studio operations, including supplying clays to glazes, the workflow of the studio with timely firings, maintaining equipment, and supporting other instructors. She has a BS in elementary education from SUNY Brockport and an MS in art education from Nazareth. Rose was approached in 2015 to teach in the ELC program through RCSD. She connected the curriculum by making connections to art through clay. Rose encourages the exploration of clay and other media to express individual thoughts and ideas while building art vocabulary and skills. She also dedicates time to her own craft in her ceramic studio.
Simmi Wallace has a passion for engaging others through art, offering workshops from watercolor to puppetry. As a puppeteer with the Calgary Animated Objects Society CAOS, he integrates puppets into teaching and making art interactive. With extensive youth program experience at programs such as Camp Daydreams, Seedfolk, and Roc Paint Division, Simmi serves as a mentor, collaborative team member, and creative problem solver. Pursuing an art education degree at Monroe Community College, he aims to blend agriculture and social justice into his artwork. Excited to teach at the Creative Workshop’s Art Day Camp as a teacher and assistant, Simmi combines his love for kids and drawing.
Robin Whiteman found her love of clay and a happy place at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Creative Workshop at the age of twelve. She graduated from RIT’s School of American Crafts and has since shown her ceramic sculpture throughout the United States and beyond. Horse Goddess was purchased for MAG’s permanent collection in 2018. Robin works with students from age 3 to 93 as a ceramics instructor, mentor, and resident artist. She approaches her classes with the light touch of a mentor and creative/technical guide. The goal is connection, exploration, and self-expression. Robin lives in the Finger Lakes with her family, goat Gabriel, chickens, and cats. She sings on occasion with her band GRR and practices Taekwondo as a first-degree black belt.
