Instructors

Barbara Taylor has been working with clay for many years, but it was during her four-year Visual Arts training that she truly began to embrace clay as an artistic medium. Her studies at Sheridan College, combined with years of learning from talented mentors, have given her a broad range of skills and techniques in both hand building and wheel throwing. At her Earth Works Pottery studio, Barbara creates her own distinctive designs in functional pottery—pieces that have found their way into homes and collections around the world. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Barbara brings a wealth of knowledge, technique, and teaching expertise to every class. But for her, one of the greatest rewards of teaching is much simpler: seeing the excitement and pride on a student’s face when they hold their very first pot.

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For 28 years, Monika Schaefer has been creating garden-themed pottery inspired by the beauty, whimsy and character of the natural world. With over 20 years of experience teaching workshops and classes, Monika has shared her passion and expertise at Donn Zver’s School of Pottery, the AGB, Oakville Art Society, and in her own studio. Known for her lively, humour-filled classes, Monika creates a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere where creativity flourishes. Her workshops are popular—and tend to sell out quickly!

Sue Richardson creates hand-built ceramic pieces that celebrate individuality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of imperfection. Inspired by organic forms and a love of the unexpected, her work reflects a desire to create pieces that are both distinctive and full of character. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted by hand, allowing the natural qualities of clay to shine through. Subtle variations, textures, and organic shapes become an integral part of the finished work, ensuring that no two pieces are ever quite the same. Through her pottery, Sue strives to create unique and expressive pieces that bring beauty, warmth, and personality to everyday life.

Tamara Kwapich is a lifelong artist whose creative journey began primarily with painting. That changed when she took a pottery workshop with fellow instructor Monika Schaefer, sparking a new passion for working with clay. Over the years, Tamara has refined her skills and developed a distinctive style of ceramic sculpture. Today, she creates whimsical sculptural animals, each with its own unique character and personality. Her playful, expressive pieces have found homes in collections around the world, bringing a little bit of joy and personality wherever they go.

Trudy’s journey with clay began in the 1970s, and her passion for pottery has only deepened over the years. While living in Northern Saskatchewan, she taught pottery at Creighton Community College, where she even learned to repair and fire a kiln so she could continue sharing pottery with students in an isolated community. After returning to Ontario, Trudy continued to nurture her love of art while raising a family, working full-time, and completing a university degree. Now retired, she is delighted to devote her days to pottery in her home studio, exploring the endless creative possibilities of clay and sharing that passion with her students. For Trudy, pottery is a lifelong journey—one that continues to offer new challenges, discoveries, and opportunities to create.