About Suwanee Clayworks

CLAY INSTRUCTOR

Clay has a way of teaching patience, creativity, and joy; and that’s what Betty looks forward to sharing with every student. Betty has been a ceramic artist for 15 years, a studio assistant for 12 years, and a teacher for 8, guiding beginners and experienced makers alike through wheel-throwing and glazing. She believes that pottery is about more than creating objects; it’s about connecting with the process.

CLAY INSTRUCTOR

David Gentry is a seasoned Clay Instructor at Suwanee ClayWorks, driven by a lifelong passion for ceramics and by his assistant, Shiner the Dog. His journey began two decades ago when he and Marissa, the Program Director at Suwanee ClayWorks, bonded over their shared love for clay during their schooling. Since then, David’s pursuit of artistic excellence has taken him across the United States, where he has studied under renowned ceramicists, constantly refining his craft. From wheel throwing to handbuilding, sculpture to surface design, and even glaze mixing and gas firing, David’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of ceramic arts. His infectious enthusiasm and positivity infuse the pottery studio, inspiring students and colleagues alike. Beyond ceramics, David indulges in cooking, photography and travel, continually seeking new avenues for creative expression and building lasting connections within the ceramic community nationwide.

CLAY INSTRUCTOR / STUDIO TECHNICIAN

Gabriella has been making ceramics for over 20 years now. She has her BA in Studio Art with an emphasis in Ceramics and Photography, and considers herself blessed to work with her teacher, Char Felos, and to have had workshops with Paul Soldner and Glen Grishkoff. She was immersed in the California Ceramic community, and considers it a once in a lifetime experience. Her ceramics have a functional and sculptural aspect to them, and she has been exploring different glazes throughout the years. Despite her experience and expertise, she believes there is always more to learn, and that no matter our age or our situation in life, we never stop learning. Her journey with ceramics is continuing.

STUDIO ADMINISTRATOR / ASSISTANT CLAY INSTRUCTOR

A Gwinnett County native, Marisa P. discovered her love for clay a couple of years ago when she took a single county class and never looked back. Since then, she’s continued studying under Marissa H. and honed her skills in both the studio and the glaze lab, where her “breaking bad” approach to glaze chemistry has led to some pretty exciting results. With a background in engineering from Rice University and a knack for project management from her time in telecommunications, she’s all about finding balance between structure and creative chaos. When she's not experimenting with color, texture, and structure, you’ll find her running laps around the studio, problem-solving, and embarking on various ADHD-powered “side quests” to keep things flowing. Whether it’s in the lab, the studio, or with fiber arts, she’s always exploring new ways to bring her creative ideas to life.

CLAY INSTRUCTOR / KILN WIZARD

Stephen holds a BFA in Pottery and Weaving from the University of Evansville—though he likes to say he really studied "making things." Before diving into the world of clay full-time, he spent 20 years in the security industry and 19 years supporting elections. That background brings a unique level of precision and patience to his studio practice. With over 12 years of experience in pottery and more than a year at Suwannee Clay Works, Stephen currently manages the kilns and keeps the fire (quite literally) burning behind the scenes. Whether he's throwing at the wheel or helping others fine-tune their work, Stephen brings both technical knowledge and a love for the process. Outside the studio, Stephen enjoys woodworking, tie-dye, gardening, and—of course—pottery. He’s always creating something, whether it's in clay, fabric, wood, or soil.