Abigail Akers is a passionate and accomplished ceramic educator with over two decades of experience in art, design, and clay. Her career is marked by a deep appreciation for humanity and an infectious enthusiasm for teaching that has inspired students of all ages and abilities.

Abigail's journey in ceramics began at Munson Institute (Pratt) She further honed her skills at the prestigious Alfred University, renowned for its ceramics program, laying a strong foundation for her future as an educator and artist.

Her expertise in ceramics education shines through her impressive career trajectory. As the Director of Ceramics at Art Center Manatee in Florida, Abigail quickly rose from instructor to program director, showcasing her exceptional leadership and organizational skills.

Abigail's teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and adaptability. This is evident in her work at Alchemia in Santa Rosa, California, where she developed art projects for adults with disabilities, enabling them to express themselves through clay and other art forms in meaningful ways.

Her passion for ceramics extends beyond the classroom. Abigail's artistic residency at Morean Art Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, allowed her to deepen her own practice while sharing her knowledge with the community. This experience, coupled with her international work in Japan and her product design background, gives her a unique perspective that enriches her teaching

Abigail Akers is not just a ceramic educator; she is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of art. Her joy for teaching, coupled with her extensive experience and technical expertise, makes her an outstanding mentor and leader in the field of ceramics education.

Elizabeth is a remarkable ceramics instructor with a quarter-century of experience and a deep passion for sharing her love of clay with others. Her journey in ceramics began 25 years ago when she established the ceramics program at a high school in Marin, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to teaching and creating.

Robert Abrams: Co-Owner of Amphora, Artist, Educator, and Gallery Curator

For over two decades, Robert Abrams has been a cornerstone of the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area art community. As the owner and curator of the esteemed Abrams Claghorn Gallery, Robert has dedicated himself to promoting and nurturing local talent while fostering a dynamic space for artistic expression.

Robert's journey in the arts began nearly three decades ago when he first stepped into a pottery class. Since then, clay has remained his cherished medium, a source of endless fascination and inspiration. However, his creative spirit knows no bounds, as he explores and experiments with various other media to bring his artistic visions to life.

An esteemed educator, Robert has been sharing his passion for ceramics since 2001. From renowned studios like The Berkeley Art Studio to institutions like Laney College in Oakland, Robert has left an indelible mark on countless aspiring artists. As both a ceramics instructor and gallery director at Laney College, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of artistic talent.

Since 2012, Robert has been instrumental in nurturing the pottery community at MVPS, where he teaches ceramics and conducts raku workshops. His dedication to teaching extends beyond imparting technical skills; Robert strives to instill a deep appreciation for the craft and a sense of artistic integrity in all his students.

In Robert Abrams, the Bay Area art scene has found not just a curator and educator but a passionate advocate for creativity and innovation. His unwavering commitment to the arts, coupled with his boundless enthusiasm for teaching, continues to enrich and inspire the local artistic landscape.

Lucy is not just a ceramicist; she's a passionate advocate for the endless opportunities for innovation and exploration through clay. As the owner of Mill Valley Pottery Studio, and Co-Owner of Amphora, Lucy has dedicated herself to sharing her love for ceramics since 2010. Her journey in pottery is a testament to her deep-rooted fascination with the intersection of art and science, where functionality meets artistic expression.

Inspired by the simplicity and beauty of everyday life, Lucy draws her creative energy from the world of food and functionality. Her work reflects a harmonious blend of form and function, where each piece tells a story of utility and aesthetic delight.

Beyond the potter's wheel, Lucy's creative pursuits extend to graphic design and silkscreen printing. Much of her work is adorned with intricate hand-made silkscreen prints, adding layers of texture and visual interest to the clay surface.

For Lucy, ceramics is more than just a creative outlet — it's a journey of discovery and enlightenment. She believes that through ceramics, we can explore not only art and history but also delve into the realms of science, engineering, and self-reflection. It's a medium that transcends boundaries, offering endless opportunities for growth and exploration.

When she's not immersed in clay, Lucy finds solace in nature, exploring the hills of Sonoma County with her daughter, husband, and beloved dog. Whether she's hiking through lush forests or shaping clay in her studio, Lucy's passion for life shines through, inspiring those around her to embrace creativity and curiosity at every turn.

Sharon Virtue is an artist, facilitator, trainer and visionary ‘inspirationalist’ currently based in Fairfax, California, while working internationally in arts and creative community development.

Her work has two strands, one as a dancer and artist, creating paintings and ceramics, and the other as a creative community activator, teaching expressive arts workshops and facilitating community development projects. She has won several awards as an individual artist and her work is published in several art publications.

Travel is her greatest inspiration, and was the catalyst for her expansion from solitary artist into the realm of community. This site was designed to encourage the potential artist in everyone, that it IS possible to make a living with your artwork and make positive change in the world.

Sharon received a BA (hons) in Fine Art from Sheffield Polytechnic. She moved to London after graduating, and studied dance at the Laban Institute. After relocating to Vancouver to further dance studies at Simon Fraser University in Canada, she moved to San Francisco. Here she began working in ceramics again, at Ruby’s Clay Studio. www.rubysclaystudio.org

At Ruby’s Clay Studio, Sharon designed and managed the Mud Bus outreach project, a mobile clay studio. The Mud Bus won awards and funding from San Francisco Arts Commission, the Yahoo Employment Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund. Since 2001 She has been raising money in fundraising exhibitions, enabling her to fund volunteer international community art projects.

To learn more about Sharon see her work on her website: Virtue Vision

Rachel is the Youth Instructor, and Studio Technician at Amphora, and the Teen Ceramics instructor at Mill Valley Pottery Studio.

Rachel is deeply passionate about practicing and teaching art. She got her start exploring the world of clay at Mill Valley Potters’ Studio over 10 years ago by attending the teen Ceramics class. She has gone on to complete a BFA at New York University in Studio Art. In her own art practice Rachel loves to create large scale organic sculptures inspired by nature. When she is not working with clay or teaching, Rachel loves to craft, visit tide pools, and spend time with her family and friends.