Char Applen, Ceramics
Downtown
Teaching Artist,
First year at the Center: 2008
Char was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She has had a love for art as long as she can remember, and loved to draw while growing up. She received her education at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While attending the university, she completed also studied art.
Char moved to Arizona in 1989, and she took her first ceramic class in 2002 where she truly found her voice. Char is interested in form and texture and how to use 3 dimensional forms to incorporate 2 dimensional designs. Char has shown her work throughout the Valley at different events throughout the years.
Char currently works in the Phoenix area as a surgical nurse. Since 2008, Char has been teaching the beginning throwing ceramic class at the Phoenix Center for the Arts.
Elizabeth Behnke, Ceramics
Downtown
Teaching Artist
First year at the Center: 2017
Liz Behnke has been a Phoenix resident since 1990, when she moved to Phoenix to join a large law firm as a young lawyer. She began taking pottery classes at Phoenix Center for the Arts in the mid-1990’s, and continued to take classes off and on while practicing commercial real estate law, until becoming a teaching artist at the Center in 2016 after retiring from law. Her artistic focus is on functional pottery, both thrown and hand built, and her teaching philosophy is to encourage people to develop their natural creativity and learn good techniques to express their artistic ideas in ceramics.
Kate Cross, Glass
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Kate Cross has been an art teacher for 30+ years and is the Art Lead in her school district. Her own sculptural work is mainly in ceramics, glass, and fibers, with privately commissioned pieces in glass and ceramics. She began building her glass knowledge by taking fusing and stained glass classes at Phoenix Center for the arts over 20 years ago, developing projects for her students as she acquired new techniques. Principals supported her programs by purchasing glass supplies, enabling students to work in this exciting media. As a life-long learner, she continues to take classes and will now be teaching a teen class and kiln carving workshop at Phoenix Center for the Arts.
Victor Contreras, Cerámica en español
Downtown
Teaching Artist
First year at the Center: 2019
Born in El Paso, TX, Victor Contreras is a self-taught potter who discovered his love for clay at the tender age of 5, crafting ash trays from riverbed clay near his father’s mechanic shop. His early fascination continued, and by the age of 8, his talent began to take shape, leading him to receive accolades from institutions like the El Paso Art Museum. Victor’s deep connection to clay not only garnered him recognition but also steered him towards teaching by the age of 22, offering non-credit courses at El Paso Community College. He focuses his work on functional ceramic pieces, believing in the ability of everyday items to inspire beauty. Now residing in South Phoenix with his family, Victor maintains an art studio enveloped by citrus and mesquite trees. He continues to share his passion by teaching at the Center for the Arts of Phoenix, merging his love for pottery and education.
Edna Dapo, Painting & Drawing
Downtown
Department Head
First year at the Center: 2007
Edna Dapo is the Department Head of Painting and Drawing at the Phoenix Center for the Arts. Dapo started working here in 2007, and in this time has taught over 6,500 students of different ages and abilities. Many of these students keep returning year after year, and are a part of the community of artists under Dapo’s wing.
Edna Dapo has been painting and drawing for three decades, has exhibited her work in many public shows, and has received numerous awards. Dapo’s work has been selected for New American Paintings 70, and was on the cover of American Art Collector (CA, V4 B2). In 2022 Dapo was invited to Scotland to teach a portrait workshop in an artist retreat in the 16th Century Brodie castle. In 2023 Dapo was invited to speak at the GPEC Ambassador event as one of the panelists to discuss Arts and Culture in the Greater Phoenix, which has been made into a podcast. The same year, Dapo won the Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for Artist/Artisan, published in February/March issue of 2023.
Dapo has earned an MFA in Painting from SCAD, BFA in Painting from ASU, and a diploma from Art School Luka Sorkocevic in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Dapo also teaches art classes at Mesa and Scottsdale Community College.
You can follow Edna Dapo’s work through Instagram/Facebook: @EdnaDapoArtist or online at www.ednadapo.com.
Jennifer Dugan, Glass
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Jen Dugan took her first glass fusing class in 2019 and was hooked. She enjoys experimenting and learning new techniques to share with classes. What she likes about glass is it allows someone who might never have thought of themselves as an artist to make something beautiful that they can be proud of. There are so many possibilities with glass as well. It can be as practical as a plate or plants you don’t need to water to as impractical as a jellyfish sculpture garden.
Jami Goldman, Glass
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Jami Goldman’s artistic journey began in 2008 after moving to Arizona, where she initially explored her love for painting through classes at Scottsdale Parks and Recreation. Her passion for art deepened in 2018 when she discovered fused glass. Though bead-making didn’t resonate, she found her true calling in creating unique glass art, focusing on mosaic, string, and lined designs. Jami uses COE90 glass to craft vibrant plates, trays, bowls, and hanging art, each piece reflecting her love for color and creativity. She transitioned from full-time work to fully dedicate herself to her art career, turning her passion into a thriving business.
Pamela Harrison, Ceramics
Downtown
Teaching Artist
First year at the Center: 2017
I have been teaching Handbuilt Ceramics at the Phoenix Center for the Arts for at least 15 years. I began as a student in 1990. I readily share my experience with clay to allow students to have a successful experience. I love to work directly with the clay to make different designs both functional and sculptural. I am very attracted to textures of all kinds. It’s hard for me to leave a surface unadorned! I make every effort to encourage a fun and challenging classroom time.
Jon Higuchi, Ceramics
Thunderbird
Department Head, Thunderbird Arts Center
First year at T-Bird: 2017
As “Artist in Residence” and Department Head of Ceramics, Jon Higuchi joined the Thunderbirds Center for the Arts in September 2017. From the ground-up, his goal has been to create a sustainable clay studio facility and develop a practical classroom curriculum that welcomes local valley clay enthusiasts from the curious novice to the more accomplished level student.
Jon has been studying pottery in Arizona for over 40 years as an artist and 20 + years as a teacher. He has taught at the Mesa Art Center, Phoenix College and facilitated/demonstrated numerous workshops and events. A notable ceramic artist, he has commissioned works in several prestigious private and corporate collections in the Americas, Japan, Switzerland, Middle East. He also has been an award-winning exhibitor in art shows, galleries around the United States and featured in magazines & news media since 1978.
Jon Higuchi is well known for his teaching skills in throwing on the potter’s wheel, glazing and the ancient Japanese art of “Raku” firing techniques. He also is well balanced in teaching the style of hand building. He seeks to understand everyone’s motivation and the benefits for enrolling in a class. Some choose to begin learning or to improve their clay skills as a hobbyist, teacher, or professional artist. Others take it as a therapeutic break from their high-pressure careers, personal time from family, meeting/making friends or just out of curiosity. He believes in the hands-on approach teaching style, assisting beginning level students from beginning to end, through each step of the process to creating a finished clay piece. Experienced students have the opportunity to work more independently, utilizing his knowledge for problem solving and advancement to a greater skill level. He believes in learning the basic skills well and then the doors to greater possibilities will open.
Marilyn Johnson, Glass
Downtown
Teaching Artist
First year at the Center: 2017
Marilyn Johnson started her love affair with colored glass in 1985 when she took a stained glass class, and worked with that medium until 1999. She then discovered the Phoenix Center for the Arts was offering a Beginning Glass Fusing Class. Having no idea what glass fusing was, but loving working with glass, she enrolled. That class changed the trajectory of her life. The variety of techniques that fusing offered was endless, from dish ware, to wall art, mobiles, sun catchers, and jewelry. She continued taking classes and working with the Instructors at PCA. After retiring from a career as a Special Education teacher, in 2015, she was asked to join the talented teaching team at PCA. Since then, her passion for glass fusing, and sharing it with others have grown exponentially.
Jay Melberg, Music & Youth Music
Downtown
Teaching Artist
First year at the Center: 1994
Jay Melberg ( music director/composer) currently works at the Phoenix Center for the Arts and has taught piano and voice for thirty years. He also music directs at several Valley Theaters. Mr Melberg has directed more than 60 shows here in the Valley and past favorites include: Little Shop of Horrors, Ave Q, Xanadu, Million Dollar Quartet, The Buddy Holly Story, The Great Gatsby, The Full Monty, Bring it On, Spamalot, Annie, The Lion King Jr, Twilights Quest, ( TheaterWorks) The Little Mermaid, and Chirstmas Carol. The Good Feelz cabaret at Phoenix Theater and Arizona Broadway Theater. He conducted the Phoenix Childrens Chorus in 1994 at Symphony Hall, and has worked with The All Puppet Players for that past 10 years. He has written eight original musicals that have been produced on stage at ASU Kerr Center, the Phoenix Center and Fountain Hills Theater.
Anne Rasmussen, Ceramics
Downtown
Teaching Artist
First year at the Center: 2007
My interest in clay began as a hobby taking classes locally in the early 90’s, and from then on, it became a mild obsession. I tried to learn all I could about clay materials, firing, tools, and methods of creating. While working as a studio tech at a local college, I began teaching for the Phoenix Center for the Arts in 2008 under the direction of Don Ridley. I have also been fortunate to teach children’s summer camps, workshops and classes with brain trauma and Alzheimer’s patients through the Center’s With Art in Mind program.
Don Ridley, Ceramics
Downtown
Department Head, Phoenix Center for the Arts
First year at the Center: 2006
Don, born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, began his ceramic studies at Marcos de Niza High School and continued at Arizona State University. After a career in music and corporate management, he returned to pottery, teaching and working with Tom and Elaine Coleman in Nevada.
He has won numerous awards and sells his pottery at shows and galleries throughout the Southwest. Currently, Don is the Department Head of the Ceramics Program at the Phoenix Center for the Arts.
Over the past 25 years, his work has evolved into a study of the relationship between glaze palettes and forms, with a focus on texture and alteration in the early stages. Don has embraced wood firing, achieving remarkable results and forming lasting friendships through his anagama kiln firings across the country.
For Don, learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Nancy Troupe, Painting & Drawing
Thunderbird
Teaching Artist
I have been teaching acrylic painting classes in the Phoenix area since 1998. Some of what I teach is professional painting to experienced artists from our local art leagues. But more often I teach fun and easy beginner classes through the City of Phoenix, and various communities around the valley. I used to have a mural business in the Phoenix area, I used to be very involved with gallery shows, and I have also illustrated several children’s books that are featured on Amazon. Now most of my focus is teaching beginners, hoping to inspire in them the same love of art that I have always had. I like to think of it as “Playing with paint”!
Julie Tuttle, Music
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Julie Tuttle teaches class piano at the Phoenix Center for the Arts. She earned her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from ASU. She taught as an adjunct music professor at Phoenix College before joining the wonderful teaching staff at PCA. She enjoys teaching all levels of class piano, and loves seeing her students find fulfillment in learning this craft. In addition to teaching – Julie has been a collaborative pianist for many years in Phoenix for musical theater, soloists, church services and more. When she’s not teaching piano; Julie enjoys practicing piano, reading, Jazzercise and hanging out at home with her husband and 2 cats.
Robert Jones, Fine Jewelry
Thunderbird and Downtown
Teaching Artist
Born and raised here in Phoenix, excelling in arts and crafts as a youth, his first full time job was as a silversmith – just out of High School, developing in him an early respect for Native Arizona silver craftsmanship. The next few years took him into goldsmithing, repair tradeshops, and into the Fine Jewelry realm. He’s enjoyed many decades designing/building fine jewelry and setting precious gemstones. Such employment has taken him all around the U.S. and Japan, a rewarding career as a multifaceted craftsman. Now he is thrilled to pass along the “tricks of the trade”, partnering with students, inspiring them to experience new joys creating treasures to last a lifetime.
Hristi Wilbur, Painting/Drawing
Thunderbird
Teaching Artist, Thunderbird
Hristi Wilbur is a fine artist and maker living in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born in Bulgaria where in 1998 she graduated from The National Academy of Arts in Sofia, earning a Master’s degree in fine arts and a Minor in Art Education. Upon receiving a Green Card by lottery, she moved to New York City in 2001 where her artistic endeavors continued with mural projects and experimentation in acrylics. In 2006, Hristi moved to Phoenix, where she currently resides creating and teaching art.
Allison Moore, Ceramics
Downtown
Teaching Artist
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Allison Moore is a dedicated artist with a passion for capturing moments through illustration and sculpture. She has a B.A in Studio Arts from Wells College in Aurora, New York, she has practiced art in the valley since 2009. Allison continues to hone her skills and develop projects at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, where she teaches beginning hand-building.
Nancy Price, Thunderbird, Painting/Drawing
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Nancy Price is an oil painter who has studied with numerous established artists in Chicago, Los Angeles and Phoenix over the past 20 years. She recently moved from the Los Angeles area, where she exhibited in juried shows. Nancy has a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago. For many years, she worked as a school social worker, recognizing the healing power of art and combining art with child therapy. Nancy enjoys painting with a loose, expressive, colorful style. She is delighted to share her passion for art with the Center’s campers!
Dulce Ramirez, Ceramics
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Dulce Ramirez was raised in Phoenix. She was first introduced to ceramics in 1998 where she discovered her love of pottery. Dulce worked as a ceramics studio tech for a few years. After a while she started teaching ceramic classes for special needs children. Dulce used pottery as art therapy, she focused on functional hand-built pieces. Now Dulce is teaching bilingual classes at Phoenix Center of the Arts.
Patti Kaloczi, Glass
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Patti Kaloczi is a local artist who moved to the valley nearly twenty years ago, with her husband and three children. She homeschooled her children until they started high school, often using art to teach the lessons. She is a self-taught artist. She found Stained Glass Painting and through experimentation and practice. She advanced her method and technique of painting. She found her calling as an artist recently, and about five years ago began exploring her talent with different styles and types of painting. She has found a passion for teaching and fostering that love of art in others, helping them develop and enhance their own creative pursuits
Damon Begay, Youth Art
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Damon Begay is an independent Navajo comic artist in Phoenix. He grew up watching cartoons, reading comics and playing Pokemon. In school, He’d draw non-stop in his notebooks and homework. Because he loved drawing Damon went to college for graphic design. Now he writes and draws his own comics. He shares his comic books at comic conventions and local comic books stores.
Tal Dvir, Painting/Drawing
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Tal’s work focuses on presenting high-level technique through painting and drawing. While the narratives in the art may not be immediately striking, the message is clear to those who take time to observe. Tal enjoys the process of sketching multiple ideas, carefully planning, and executing designs with honesty and commitment to quality. The work is a blend of contemporary impressionism and a quest for new artistic forms, often inspired by a variety of themes. Though primarily focused on realistic figures, Tal constantly seeks fresh ideas, treating the canvas almost as if sculpting with paint.
Kirby Soderberg, Photography
Downtown
Department Head
Kirby has been active with the Phoenix Center for the Arts since 1994. For the past 8 years he has been head of the photography department leading students in a variety of classes and workshops to improve their artistic goals.
Sethra Boyce, Painting/Drawing
Downtown
Teaching Artist
As a Studio Manager, Teacher, Muralist, and Caricature Artist, Sethra has up to 10 years of experience in Figurative Life Drawing, studying the human form through traditional methods such as charcoal and oil paints. Professionally trained in classical art, they are unafraid to bend and break the rules in the pursuit of otherworldly creations.
Robert Roselli, Painting/Drawing
Thunderbird and Downtown
Teaching Artist
Robert Roselli, a practicing artist for 40 years, studied at Los Angeles County Art Institute, Pasadena Art School in the 1960s, and New York Art Students League in the 1970s. He’s a member of Arizona Artists Guild, Artery Collective Gallery, and teaches at Rosa Phoenix Art Studio. Recent exhibitions include Herberger Theater and The Nash Jazz Club.
Bill Guy, Photography
Thunderbird and Downtown
Teaching Artist
Bill Guy has been a professional photographer for over 35 years and is a certified Adobe instructor and Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop (ACE). His career has spanned from a home studio to a studio in Prescott, Arizona, and back home again. Throughout, he has remained passionate about photography and helping others enjoy it too.
Celeste Soong-Tang, Photography
Downtown
Teaching Artist
Since 1998, Celeste has helped hundreds of people preserve their memories. She believes everyone has something to share with their posterity, so she helps them with getting their photos, VHS tapes, etc. digitized and organized. If you have ever said to yourself, “I need to do something with these old movies and photos!”, don’t miss her class. Just think how great it will be to watch and share your home movies again! You will have the peace of mind knowing your memories are safe, and that you have provided a legacy for generations to come. Let her show you how quick and easy it is to accomplish.
Chelsea Koressel, Ceramics
Thunderbird and Downtown
Teaching Artist
Chelsea Koressel’s life and artistic journey have culminated into a fascination with ceramics. She grew up in Prescott, Arizona, and was raised to be a dreamer with an acute awareness of nature, health and wellness, and hard work. All three components remain a ringing inspiration, and have vibrated into her vessels. Nature especially has made an impact on her style and vision—enamored with smooth, simple forms.
Making functional pottery; mugs, plates, and bowls, along with decorative vases, combined with a splash of color, is the foundation of her style.