Justine Heisel
Drew Nicklas
Drew Nicklas is a current graduate student (2007) working on a MFA in ceramics at Montana State University, a studio technician and teacher with the foundations program. He graduated from Colorado State University. He specializes in large thrown pots in high fire stoneware fired in a wood kiln.
Michele Rippentrop studied painting at the University of Sioux Falls and Montana State University, Bozeman. She is in her final year (2007) earning teacher certification in K-12 art education. Her experience as the mother of a preschooler and dedication to arts education make her a great addition to Emerson's art teachers. Her classes include tours of the current exhibits coupled with hands-on arts activities for both preschoolers and their parents.
Vanessa Rogers
Pottery teacher and manager Vanessa Rogers has a BA in Fine Arts from Humboldt State University in California, specializing in hand built ceramics. Her current work explores hand-carved wheel thrown pottery, creating one-of-a-kind works that are both sculptural and functional. Her classes include demonstrations and practice of wheel throwing and handbuilding of porcelain and midrange stoneware followed by surface treatments such as carving and glazing. Special emphasis will be on texture, pattern and a variety of beautiful cone 6 oxidation glazes.
Carl Sheehan
For more than twenty-nine years, Carl Sheehan has been a full time production potter in Bozeman. He is a graduate of Montana State University in fine art and art education. From 1980 - 2006, Carl has been the resident potter at Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Lodge. Throughout his career as a studio potter, he has taught a variety of pottery classes, including Cone 10 stoneware, raku and primitive firing techniques. Carl lives and maintains a studio at his home west of Belgrade.
Shaila Sorenson
A professional print-maker and ceramic artist, Shaila Sorenson holds a K-8 Montana Elementary Education Certification with a K-12 Art Endorsement, with special focus on ceramics and special needs education. For five years Shaila was the owner and primary teacher/childcare professional for the Children's Neighborhood Preschool/Daycare. She has worked as "artist-in-residence" in the public schools and has taught all ages in the community. Shaila teaches wheel-thrown and handbuilt earthenware pottery to children ages 9 – 17.
