WHERE ART HAPPENS
Meet our Instructors
Scroll down to learn more about our incredible artists and teachers! They are ready to meet you!
Melissa Wendt
Ceramics
Melissa Wendt (she/her) fell in love with ceramics in high school in 2006. She has been teaching beginner and intermediate pottery classes for the past three years at several Madison area studios.
She lives with her 4 cats Puck, Merry, Pippin and Shino in Madison, WI. In her spare time she enjoys reading and has over 1,000 books in her collection. Melissa has strong inter-personal skills and is all-in on ceramics! Her favorite thing to throw is eclectic teapots with a focus on surface texture. You can find her work in several local coffee shops and bookstores! She also participates in many local fairs and markets throughout the year. Check her out on Instagram @emo_pottery!
Karen Taylor
Ceramics
I love the centering feeling of time spent on the wheel. The calming hum, the spinning bat, and the feel of wet clay taking shape in my hands draw me in and quiet my mind.
I grew up in Fort Atkinson and was a Fine Arts major at UW La Crosse. In my 40s I was a “regular” at Burning Man, making costumes including fake fur coats, and helping to place the works of many sculptors on the Playa. I taught wheel throwing at San Francisco’s Presidio Art Center -- there’s nothing like an inspiring view of the Golden Gate Bridge when you’re creating.
I’ve always made art, and have had a home studio and kiln for 30 years. I especially enjoy working with natural forms, leaves, organic lines, and multiple colors. Now that I’ve returned to my home town I enjoy making, sharing and teaching art as an engaging social activity. I love sharing students’ “aha” moments and seeing their delight.
SARAH KRAJEWSKI
Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Fibers
As a lifelong lover of art and creativity, Sarah Krajewski has been involved in the arts since she can remember! Sarah was a public school art teacher for 14 years (4 years at the K-8 level and 10 years at the K-5 level). She loves connecting with people of all ages, using art to build a sense of belonging. Sarah is a published author/illustrator, painter, ceramicist, printmaker, crafter, muralist, and overall creative person- finding any reason to CREATE. Sarah believes in creating safe spaces where individuals can make mistakes, ask questions, and celebrate successes.
Carcin Janelle
Ceramics
Carcin Janelle primarily works within the realm of ceramic sculptor and small scale paintings. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a BFA, blending organic forms and nostalgic themes to create pieces that feel intimate.
Working primarily in soft color palettes and gentle whites, Janelle’s practice reflects an ongoing fascination with how representation and non representation can shift between emotion and form.
JACY ECKERMAN
Ceramics and a Bit of This & That
Jacy is the owner of Art Hub and loves teaching and creating community.
Jacy graduted with her BFA in Sculpture and loves to play with clay. You will find Jacy teaching Middle School Wheel Throwing, Handbuilding Classes, Macrame, kids classes, and birthdays .
CHRIS STEINMILLER
Oil Painting
Carcin Janelle primarily works within the realm of ceramic sculptor and small scale paintings. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a BFA, blending organic forms and nostalgic themes to create pieces that feel intimate.
Working primarily in soft color palettes and gentle whites, Janelle’s practice reflects an ongoing fascination with how representation and non representation can shift between emotion and form.
CHELE RAMOS
Watercolor
My name is Chele Ramos and I'm a local Watercolor and Mixed Media painter. I have been painting for 8 years now, teaching for a couple, and eager to share my knowledge with you.
I love teaching because I feel that painting is a beautiful thing to learn. It's brought me so much joy, and I want to spread that joy to you.
RONNIE WALTER
Whimiscal Watercolor
Ronnie Walter is an illustrator, writer and engaging teacher. She has licensed her designs on hundreds of products including greeting cards, gift bags, fabric, coloring books for adults and kids, and more. Teaching (either in person or through her popular YouTube channel), has brought her the most satisfaction— "Watching my students discover their own voice and vision while unlocking their creative potential is simply amazing—and so much fun!".
EMILY MARIE WATERCOLORS
Watercolor
A former Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) elementary school teacher, Emily started painting mid-pandemic as a way to destress after a long day in the classroom. Since then, she has turned her love for watercolors into a career. Emily finds inspiration from her love for the outdoors. In addition to botanical watercolors, she also enjoys painting pet portraits. As a current resident of Madison, Wisconsin, she teaches watercolor classes and workshops throughout Dane County. Most recently, she creates watercolor kits so that everyone has access to the magic of watercolors from the comfort of their own home.
JANET NELSON
Acrylic
Janet Nelson, based in Cambridge, Wisconsin, found an interest in art early in life, inspired by her grandmother. Throughout her schooling she “took as many art classes as I could,” ultimately earning a degree in Liberal Arts. She describes her creations as “lighthearted,” combining traditions of Representational with Abstract Impressionism, resulting in delightfully unique animal totems. While she paints primarily in acrylic on canvas, her work is also available in prints and a variety of greeting cards
MARY BETH DRABISZCZAK
Pastels
Mary Beth Drabiszczak is an artist, educator and art historian based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Mary Beth earned a BFA in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and graduated in 2023 with a Master's in Art History from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Often teaching classes that highlight the diverse uses of pastel, Mary Beth's teaching philosophy supports creative experimentation.
JEANETTE CLAWSON
Zentangle & Art Journaling
I create art to contribute to peace and beauty in the world and in myself by including flow and play as critical components of my creative process. Environmentalism strongly impacts my work, and I enjoy finding new uses for old things, particularly books and many kinds of paper. Flowers and other botanicals are my main sources of inspiration, particularly in the intersection of nature and geometry. I carve my own rubber stamps to create repeating patterns and focal points, paint papers in many different ways, apply the Zentangle Method of drawing and play with acrylic paint and many different adhesives to create rich, layered pieces of art.
Teaching art allows me to share my joy in the process of creation. I love to see how people interpret what I share and I'm so inspired by my students. Making art is usually a solitary practice and teaching art is such a rewarding social interaction.
ERIN
ELHERT-MADDOCKS
Needle & Wet Felting
Hello! My name is Erin, and I’ve been working with wool since 2018. I quickly fell in love with felting for its therapeutic, forgiving nature and the endless creativity it inspires. Today, I teach both needle and wet felting in several cities, sharing this wonderful craft with others. One of my greatest joys as an instructor is watching students unlock their creativity and develop a passion for felting—though fair warning, it can be delightfully addictive!
KATIE HOGAN
Knitting & Crochet
My name is Katie and I'll be your instructor! I've been both knitting & crocheting since I was a child, and really enjoy introducing others to these skills. I know how hard it can be trying to learn from youtube, without another person to ask questions, so I'll be that person for you! If you've never knit or crochet before, I can teach you. If you need help with more advanced patterns, I will help!
SALLY KOEHLER
Monoprinting
Best know for my work in mixed
media, I also enjoy experimenting with new mediums.
Experiences in my life, especially the busy life I lead with my family, are often the foundation of ideas for my work. I am proud to call Fort Atkinson my home and to share my talents in the surrounding communities. I find joy in working with acrylic paint, handmade paper, fabrics, mixed media and natural materials to create a variety of art including: paintings, handmade books, journals, cards and collages. I also create concrete mosaic sculptures.
As a life-long learner, I am always interested in exploring new techniques, taking classes and especially enjoy collaborating on projects. Most recently, I have enjoyed traveling abroad to learn about other cultures and study art.
KATIE MICHEL
Yoga
Katie Michel is a personable and passionate Yoga and Pilates Teacher dedicated to sharing the benefits of yoga with eager clients. She conducts warm and inviting sessions that foster an invigorating, centering, and calming environment and has an amazing ability to empathize and develop relationships with people of different abilities and backgrounds. She has technical knowledge of active flow, power yoga, and gentle yoga. She prides herself on clear explanation of the benefits of poses with a focus on proper alignment and provides verbal and assisted adjustments to modify and enhance poses based on individual needs. Katie’s taught over 10,000 hours of yoga, small group training and personal training in Brookfield, Pewaukee and Fitchburg - and in 7 different countries.
KIM WITTE
Cookie Decorating
My name is Kim Witte of @WitteArtistry and I'm a professional artist and baker. Over nearly a decade I have been honing my artistic skills and my love of food. I started my company, Witte Artistry, LLC back in 2015 and I have been living that dream ever since! I have extensive experience working in kitchens, bakeries, and with dessert decorating along with workshop teaching.
VANESSA SCUDDER
Mosaics & Sewing
Vanessa is an educator, artist, and entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Northern Illinois University. She is the owner of Soaring Stars Dance & Tumbling Studio and works with Art Hub and Embroidery Professionals, blending teaching, craftsmanship, and creative design. Her background includes art education, dance instruction, team leadership, and support work with individuals with developmental disabilities. She is also a mom of two and is deeply committed to creativity, community, and care.
JAN PAPA
Basketry
I am retired from 40 years in the traditional and native landscape industry. My last position was to mentor a young man into managing his own native landscape company. He is now running a multi-million dollar company. I have an art degree and I enjoyed teaching gold and silversmithing just after college. I enjoyed the interaction with my students and looking forward to doing so again.