Clay Art Center Instructor Spotlight
Fall Registration is almost here! Meet Clay Art Center Instructors Vicky Youngman, Mara Gross, and Don Reynolds.
At Clay Art Center, you have the opportunity to learn from artists who are experts in their field. In addition to guiding students through the basics of wheel-throwing and handbuilding, many of our teachers also have their own signature specialty, whether in form, function, or surface decoration. Ahead of registration for this year’s Fall Session A, we’re highlighting three long-time instructors who will be teaching this upcoming term - maybe you’ll see them in class!
Vicky Youngman earned a Masters of Professional Studies in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute. She worked as an Art Therapist for 23 years and taught art therapy at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Vicky’s second career as a ceramic artist has enabled her to exhibit and sell her work, while continuing her much-loved teaching practices. Currently, Vicky is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Pace University (Pleasantville), and a Professional Teaching Artist through Arts Westchester. Vicky states, “My approach to creating with clay involves considerable hands-on exploration, experimentations, and playfulness. Much like life, it’s a journey into the unknown, one of discovery with imperfections, mishaps, and wonderful surprises along the way.” Beginning on September 8th, Vicky will teach “Functional Throwing for Beginners” on Mondays from 10am-1pm.
Clay Art Center Artist and Instructor Mara Gross has been working with clay for over 30 years. Mara was initially drawn to low-fire clay and majolica, which she largely used to create sculptural work. Today, Mara builds with mid-range clay and uses underglazes to create functional ware, often featuring her playful cat designs. She states that, “My art reflects my interest in how we experience images, patterns, and color. I am interested in so-called “primitive” representations of the human experience and how they are filtered through our modern and complex consciousness. Our awareness of the complexities inherent in these representations are, for me, deeply linked to our day-to-day experiences. As we know, images, patterns and color evoke emotions, and we are always in our emotions.” You can learn with Mara this fall in “Handbuilding for All Levels” on Wednesdays from 6-9pm.
Originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Artist and Instructor Don Reynolds was introduced to ceramics in high school, and he went on to study ceramics at the University of Michigan, School of Art. Upon graduation, Don spent a year in Southern California where he worked for various local potteries, including Ron Rogers Pottery and Vee Jackson Pottery. He became a Resident Artist on-board the Artrain, an art museum and working studio housed in five train cars that traveled across the country, bringing an interactive art experience to underserved communities. Don’s functional ceramic works in his trademark contrasting colors and patterns have been included in many exhibitions throughout the United States. He shares that, “My work is all about ornamentation. Using simple forms as blank slates to adorn, I arrange repetitive marks into compelling patterns that celebrate both the objects and their users. I reference the rich history of decorative language throughout the ages, and combine those findings with my attraction to the colorful spectacles of modern times including the circus, the rodeo, county fairs, Mardi Gras/Carnival, (punk) rock and roll, casinos, gay culture, and other assorted roadside attractions which exude a gaudy allure.” This fall, Don will teach “Introduction to Wheel Throwing” on Mondays from 10am-1pm.
