Oriana Allen is a life long seacoast resident, who’s interest in pottery was sparked while attending MassArt. Having taken many clay classes over the years, Oriana has been at EFC for 8 years as a student, studio monitor and now an instructor. “I enjoy learning the infinite possibilities of clay, and glazes, I am excited to share this medium with others.” She is a painter, quilter, avid gardener and mom to 3 creative kids.
Patti Bax, founder of The Cabbage Rose, has been handcrafting whimsical clay jewelry and accessories since her college days as a ceramics minor. Specializing in white clay fired at 2000∘F, Patti creates unique, hand-signed ornaments, earrings, and garden markers. Her work is defined by a "limitless" approach to custom designs and a desire to bring a smile to every customer. Beyond the kiln, Patti brings her creative eye to interior design and mural painting.
Working with stoneware fired in a gas-fired soda kiln, Sarah was first introduced to clay in college and then went on to work in several clay studios. Her forms are influenced by the organic, changing world around us. Like nature, Sarah’s work is constantly evolving. Working in incremental stages, each subsequent series builds on the concepts of the predecessor and Sarah uses these opportunities to branch off and explore new ideas within her work. Having lived in the New Hampshire Lakes Region for 20+ years, Sarah became a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen in 2003. In addition to exhibiting locally and nationally throughout her career, she also teaches, sharing her love of clay in several community based schools, institutions and her own studio.
Alice obtained her BFA from the Maine College of Art and her MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Following her MFA, she was chosen for an Artist in Residence position at Penland School of Crafts. During her time there, she served as the Metals Studio Coordinator, where she connected with talented metalsmiths and began sharing her expertise in the craft. She also launched her own wholesale jewelry line and started experimenting with larger metal works, including vessels and wall hangings made of copper and bronze. After her residency, Alice returned to Maine to teach and eventually received state certification in art education. Inspired by her teaching experiences, she considers teaching to be an art form and values her interactions with students. In addition to teaching, Alice works as a professional metalsmith creating custom jewelry and large-scale sculptures.
Grace Collette a traditional hooking artist with 44 years of experience creating designs, dying fibers, producing craftwork, teaching and conducting workshops on rug hooking In New England. She is a member of 7 rug hooking guilds, and has been secretary of the NH guild for 7 years. Her many accomplishments include being a published author of magazine articles; a Featured Artist; People’s Choice Award Winner in the largest international rug hooking show in the U.S.A.; recipient of many blue ribbons and Best of Show ribbons; participant in shows annually from Maine to Ohio; demonstrates frequently at area events, such as the Sunapee Craftsmen’s Fair.
Drawn deeply to clay because of its creative energy and tactile response, Roger creates both functional and decorative pottery. Loving how the clay slips and dances through his hands, Rogers feels a spiritual connection with the medium. Working with a medium fired porcelain clay, Roger creates organic textures by the use of slips applied to the surface of his pieces. Further texture is achieved through his use of glazes. Roger loves how the colors blend together, creating an organic feel that adds further depth and dimension to his work. Roger’s life as a potter evolved on a part-time basis alongside his primary work as an Episcopal priest. Beginning his ceramic journey after meeting potter, Bud Wilkinson, Roger had a crash course in pottery with Richard Lafean. He studied with Nancy Joy at the Corcoran School in Washington D.C. and took a year of courses at the School of the Chicago Art Institute. Roger also studied with several renowned artists around the country. In 2005, Roger retired from parish ministry and now spends his time, “working with clay and making beautiful things.”
From caring for patients to shaping clay, Betsy has always had a passion for working with her hands. A nurse by profession, Betsy's love for pottery began in college and resurfaced when she started taking classes at Exeter Fine Crafts years ago. These days, Betsy works out of her cozy home studio in Exeter creating small unique pieces, which emphasize her love of experimenting with texture and beautiful glaze combinations. Her two amazing children, Montana and Mars, will often join her in the studio as creativity and a love of the arts runs in the family!When she's not at EFC, Betsy loves spending time with her wonderful husband and their golden retriever, Arthur, walking around town, hitting the NH coastline for some sun and sand or enjoying a concert at Prescott Park. Betsy looks forward to helping others discover the joy of working with clay, whether you're a total beginner or rediscovering it like she did. Let's have some fun and make something beautiful together!
Linda Decelle’s first exposure to pottery was in high school. After moving to NH in 2016, she discovered Exeter Fine Crafts and was once again hooked. Retiring in 2022, Linda loves spending time in the studio experimenting with new techniques and forms! She also enjoys learning about glaze chemistry and trying new glaze recipes and combinations. Linda is very excited about introducing others to wheel throwing and other clay techniques!
Debbie Genestreti started working with clay 15 years ago and immediately became hooked! Inspired by the process of coaxing unique forms from the clay, Debbie enjoys exploring new techniques where natural colors and textures are a focus of her work. Having worked as an engineer, an art teacher, yoga instructor and bereavement councilor, Debbie joined Exeter Fine Crafts in 2021 and currently works in the pottery studio. She is a mother of three, grandmother of one and lives on the seacoast with her two dogs, three cats and her favorite scrabble partner, her husband. She is excited to share her love of clay!
Sara Desjardins is a self-taught pyrographer who draws inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding her home in the New Hampshire backroads. Living with her husband and three boys, Sara uses woodburning as a rhythmic way to de-stress and connect with the outdoors. Her work for Summerfrost Studios specializes in intricate, hand-burned portraits of local wildlife, capturing the spirit of the woods with every mark.
Tif Farmakis-Day has been dabbling in some form of fine art since as long as she can remember. Drawing came naturally to her as a child. Through the careful observation of cartoons and books, she began formulating her own characters and techniques. It was this love of cartooning that brought Tif into the journalism world. After moving to southern California on a whim, she landed a part-time editorial cartoon job for a local newspaper. As her duties increased at her new job, she switched majors from Fine Arts to Journalism and eventually completed her Associates degree in Journalism at Los Angeles Valley College. After retuning to New Hampshire in the Summer of 2005, Tif worked independently writing and illustrating for various online publications. However, she was beginning to feel less enthused about remaining a journalist and decided to finish pursuing her Fine Arts degree. In May 2010, Tif received a BFA in Illustration from the New Hampshire Institute of Art. In addition to be a licensed NH realtor with Keller Williams Coastal Realty, Tif also works as a freelance artist, teaching various fine art workshops throughout NH and beyond.
Lynn Goldberg developed basketry as her primary craft after moving to Bedford, NH in 1983, selling her work and teaching classes sponsored by the Bedford Craftworkers Guild. She has also taught basketweaving to children. Lynn was introduced to the Rivercane Weavers, where she studied with other basket makers to master new techniques and tools. She is a member of the League of NH Craftsmen, and the National Basketry Organization.
Lia Gormley's passion for jewelry started while a student at Rhode Island School of Design. She entered school with the intention of becoming an illustrator, however soon realized that she was drawn to working three dimensionally and found that making jewelry was the perfect outlet for her creativity. After graduating with a BFA in Jewelry and Light Metals, Lia worked as a goldsmith for a designer in Manhattan, where she perfected her craftsmanship and attention to detail. In 2000, Lia earned the title of Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America. Her fascination with the beauty of gemstones encourages her to continuously explore gemology through advanced studies. She designs and creates each piece of jewelry utilizing traditional goldsmith techniques. Combining 18k gold and platinum with precious gemstones inspires her to create lasting pieces of jewelry with an heirloom quality.
Leigh Hansen spent most of her career heading up marketing for global companies. With a passion for creativity, she explored many art forms including: clothing design, stained glass, pottery, photography and metalwork. Fascinated by stones— particularly American turquoise and Australian opals, Leigh enjoys delving into their geological backgrounds. As a NH Natural Resources Steward, she often integrates nature into her designs. Now, she teaches others to discover their creative voice in crafting unique metal jewelry that reflects their own individuality.
Painting has been an essential part of Jennifer Jarvis' life since childhood. A seasoned educator with over 40 years of experience in art and early childhood development, Jennifer believes creative, artistic expression resides within every person, just waiting to be released. Drawing on her background at the University of New Hampshire’s Child Study and Development Center and her studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts, Jennifer uses abstract acrylic painting as a meditative healing modality. Her workshops prioritize the creative process over the final product, guiding participants to use art as a tool for stress relief, emotional exploration and personal calm.
Laura Cassinari King came to visual arts after many years as a music teacher. For twelve years Laura studied with many prominent seacoast artists, the most influential Todd Bonita and Chris Volpe. With her own style and methods of working in oil paint, she now greatly enjoys teaching others to find joy in the journey of self-expression through art. Her work is in the homes of numerous collectors locally, nationally and internationally. You can see her work online or at Ceres Gallery and Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in Portsmouth, NH, as well as Seacoast Artist Association, Exeter, NH.
Kolika is a Somerville-based, self-taught glass artist and former scientist who brings an analytical yet playful approach to her brand, Kanch. Known for her botanically-inspired home goods and masterful use of negative space, her work is featured in galleries nationwide, including 3S Art Space. In her "glass garden workshops," she draws on her scientific background to encourage students of all levels to push past traditional rules and embrace the tactile magic of the craft. Her teaching emphasizes the joy of co-creation and curiosity, inviting students to connect with their elemental creativity through the shared experience of making.
With a passion for bold color and quirky shapes, Amanda Rouse Letscher teaches design at the University of New Hampshire and leads workshops in printmaking and indigo dyeing across New England. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the "never-ending cycle" of learning and making. When she isn’t guiding students or managing the global Textile Design Lab community, she can be found drawing with markers, exploring the outdoors, or translating her love for aquatic life into vibrant, graphic patterns.
Larry and Jessica Lubowsky are the owners of Fire Pond Pottery in Kingston, NH. Named after their original location in Fremont, NH, (part of the property included a "fire pond," which acted as a hydrant if a fire started nearby) Larry and Jess never thought they would move until a once in a life time opportunity came up. After years of kayaking on Powwow Pond in nearby Kingston, NH, a home became available right on the water, the pair jumped at the chance to have a new studio overlooking the water and have never looked back! Creating their functional, one of a kind, stoneware pieces in their home studio, their goal is to make well-designed pieces that enhance the experience for the user. Larry and Jessica's work has been featured in various fairs around the state, they are also members of the New Hampshire Potters Guild.
Molly studied literature with a personal minor in collecting other people’s lives. An obsession with old ledgers, vintage photos and every single discarded book that exists, her work re-imagines the untold stories behind the otherwise forgotten items of every day. A self-taught artist, the medium of collage mastered in both paper and textiles, is Molly’s dominant form of communicating. Molly has shown her work nationally in both museums and galleries. Along with creating her own artwork, Molly helps adults and young people lean into their own unique talent by teaching creative workshops around the U.S. as well as at an annual retreat in the South of France. Molly C. Meng is currently living and working in New Hampshire.
Bill Mitchell received his BA from the State University College at Oneonta NY and later studied at the Boston Museum School. A former high school art teacher, Bill also received a Master’s in Education from UNH. Bill is a juried printmaker in the League of NH Craftsmen where he not only features his work but also his teaching talents, offering silkscreen workshops throughout the year.
Libby loves to work with natural materials, such as wool, horsehair for whiskers, grapevines and feathers for nests, and beautiful prints in cotton quilted fabrics for her fabric collages. Many of the needle felted birds and animals she creates are in view from her studio window in Durham, NH, where they keep her entertained and inspired. Love of design has been a common theme throughout her life. Most of her career has been in Graphic Design and Marketing after studying art and botany at Duke University. Following a move to New Hampshire, Libby decided to delve deeper into creative life. Her small needle felted animal sculptures have wire armatures to make them pose-able. She uses beeswax for the feet and fingers, using accessories that add a touch of whimsy and personality to each creature. Libby’s fabric collage fits well with her interest in color and texture, using thread painting and free motion quilting in each composition.
Driven by a lifelong passion for color and design, Nancy Perkins initially believed her lack of drawing skills barred her from the art world. That perspective shifted in college when weaving and woodworking introduced her to alternative mediums, ultimately leading her to discover her true calling in glasswork 28 years ago. Transitioning from stained glass to the limitless creative potential of fused glass, she now crafts everything from sparkly jewelry and dragonfly ornaments to custom NH "State-ment" pieces and vibrant vases. For Nancy, working with glass is a source of pure joy, enriched by years of meaningful connections with customers who cherish her art. Today, she shares that passion by teaching glasswork, guiding cautious newcomers into confident creators through private group workshops, team-building events and scheduled classes.
Bill Taylor enjoys using highly figured wood wih prominent natural features in his intricate marquetry designs. Having grown up a farm boy in Illinois, Bill served aboard the USS Boston then went back to school and was hired as an engineer. He found his calling in X-Ray medical systems and spent 40 years in New England hospitals installing and servicing those systems. Believing that building things is in his DNA, after retiring, William found woodworking satisfied his need to create. A member of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers as well as the League New Hampshire Craftsmen, William’s jewelry boxes can be found in fine craft galleries across the state.
Peggy Thrasher’s baskets are a celebration of the beauty of mathematics in the physical world. Patterns promote peace and a grounded-ness because they are predictable. Yet complex patterns are also surprising, causing the viewer to question their assumptions and begin to see things in new ways. Peggy’s baskets experiment with various color combinations, producing different designs depending on the placement of the colors. She combines different combinations of the weave and corner mechanism to produce different shaped baskets. Peggy has been making baskets since 2013. A juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen, in addition to teaching, you can also find Peggy’s beautiful baskets in galleries and shows around the state.
Gerry works in a variety of different mediums including mixed media acrylic paintings, cold copper forming and felted art. Using the elements of design and composition, as well as shape relationships to create a cohesive story in her pieces, Gerry's work is as pleasing to the eye as it is to wear! Gerry's work has been featured in multiple group and juried exhibitions throughout the country and across "the pond" in England.
