Paola’s love of pottery began with a gift from her late husband, David. Inspired by his encouragement, she finds peace and creative discovery in clay and hopes to help others find the same.

Jennie fell in love with pottery as a way to unwind and soon dreamed of creating a space for her community. Inspired by Scandinavian design and nature, she brings warmth, creativity, and her vision to Potters Union.

Stefani is the artist behind Cozy Cat Ceramics, creating playful, functional pottery for everyday life. In her teaching, she breaks projects into manageable steps, helping students build confidence and discover their own creative voice in clay.

Laurie discovered pottery in 2008 as a creative outlet and has been hooked ever since. Her distinctive carving style and contemporary aesthetic create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Ben discovered pottery during his university art studies. What started as a class quickly became a passion, leading him to refine his skills in both wheel throwing and hand-building.

Originally from Iran, Mahsa discovered clay at fourteen and blends ceramics, painting, and mixed media in her work. Inspired by travel and global ceramic traditions, she shares her passion through teaching and creates textured pieces that encourage connection and creativity.

Originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Polina discovered pottery after moving to the United States. With over twenty years of experience, she creates functional ceramics inspired by nature and exhibits her work nationally and internationally.

Mary Pugsley is an artist and pottery teacher based in Fairfax, Virginia. With a background in ceramics, painting, and animation, she draws inspiration from nature, travel, and cartoons.

Scott is a functional potter with over 40 years of experience. Guided by the principle that form follows function, he creates pottery that is beautiful, practical, and comfortable to use. Each piece is thoughtfully handmade, blending purpose with unique, lasting quality.

Amber blends her background in studio art and graphic design with a love of painting and sculpture to create functional ceramics. She finds grounding in pottery, draws inspiration from cultural traditions, and encourages others to embrace trying something new.

Courtney has 15 years of ceramics experience, creating functional pottery inspired by nature and traditional Asian and Turkish ceramics. She teaches wheel throwing and handbuilding, helping students build skills and explore their creativity.

Katie is a fine artist and interior designer rediscovering her love of ceramics. Inspired by earthy tones, organic shapes, and soft imperfections, she creates work that celebrates slow living and the beauty of everyday rituals.

Gina Milatzo is an interior designer and longtime pottery student and maker. With over a decade of experience in commercial interiors, she has designed corporate offices, cafes, and retail establishments across the DMV and Greater Boston area.

Kerima creates wheel-thrown pottery that blends heritage, faith, and everyday function. With a love of glaze experimentation and a thoughtful approach to teaching, she encourages students to slow down, explore clay, and enjoy the process of making by hand.

Erica is an Army veteran and sociology professor who rediscovered her love of pottery after 23 years away from clay. She enjoys creating functional pieces, experimenting with glazes, and sharing the joy of “mud therapy” with the Potters Union community.

With a background in graphic design and digital media, Jenny always had a tendency to avoid artistic mediums that were too “messy.” After taking a beginner wheel class at Potters Union in the winter of 2025 that completely changed, and she fell in love with getting her hands a little messy with clay.

Meet Emma, an artist and RIT graphic design graduate who fell in love with pottery at Potters Union. When they’re not at the wheel making bowls and mugs, you’ll find them crocheting, baking cookies, gaming, or befriending a nearby dog.