Faculty

Winter Semester 2009

Barbara Allen:

BFA summa cum laude (sculpture and crafts) Univ. of Bridgeport; MS in Art Education, Southern CT State Univ.; Art Specialist high school level, Danbury, CT; Senior faculty member, BCC. Exhibitions include Canton Museum of Art, HarperCollins, New York, NY; Paris, NY, Kent Gallery; one-woman show Dwellings of the Spirit at BCC; published in: FIBERARTS magazine, School Arts, The Jewelers Art; Cover design for FIBERARTS Design Book Four.

Linda Banks:

Multimedia artisan for over 30 years; taught privately and for many schools including Washington Art Association; exhibits regionally including The Silo, the Washington Art Association, and at many churches, schools, libraries and banks. Studied at BCC, New England Horizons Craft School, Hot Glass Horizons, Hands On Glass at Corning, and Plumb Hill Studio; owns/operates glass studio in New Preston, CT.

Nancy Moore Bess:

Basket maker, teaches at Parsons, New School for Social Research, School of Visual Arts, Cooper-Hewitt Museum. Research in basketry and folk art in Japan, numerous lectures and articles on those subjects; lectured in Japan on contemporary American basketry; exhibited throughout USA; published in periodicals and books: works in private and public collections; studio in MA.

David Bishop:

Professional woodworker; studied industrial design at Univ. of Bridgeport; work published by Taunton Press, Updating Classic American Colonials; also in Martha Stewart’s New Old House book; studied blacksmithing at BCC; demonstrates forging locally, owner of Bishop Woodworking in Redding, CT.
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Susan Bradley:

BFA and Eastern Philosophy degree, Kansas City Art Institute; Masters in Asian Studies (emphasis in Chinese Art History); graduate work in painting, Chicago Art Institute. Over 30 years experience in Tai Chi; began teaching Yang Long form at Chinese Cultural Institute in Chicago in 1979; studied Yang short form with masters William Chen and Benjamin Lo; attended Aspen Martial Arts Academy; extensive arts and crafts background and Tai Chi experience combine for 28 years of teaching skills.

Lessley Burke:

AB, Smith College; working jeweler and enamelist; studied at BCC with John Cogswell, Joanne Conant, and Sue Sachs; studio in Ridgefield, CT.
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Caroline Byrne:

Degree from Cornell Univ., specializes in fiber arts; spinner of novelty yarns and loves using re cycled and innovative materials in her work; a studio in VT.

Miani Carnevale:

Professional artist and workshop facilitator; graduate of the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, FL; also studied art in Florence, Italy and Oslo, Norway. Exhibits work throughout USA; represented in collections worldwide; Artist in Residence at the Omega Institute and currently on their faculty.

Annemarie Ciuffini:

Degree in stonesetting from Scuola Orafa Roman, Rome, Italy; also studied at Sydney School of the Arts, Sidney, Australia, American Univ. in Rome, New Haven Univ., Western CT State Univ., and John Cabot International College, Rome, Italy.

Steve Cleaver:

Poet, wrties short stories, songs and a novel, Saving Erasmus (Paraclete Press, 2007), which was awarded Best of 2007 by Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Named an Original Voice by Borders Books, A Sparkling Debut by Publishers Weekly and an Up and Coming Christian Novelist by Aspiring Retailer. His poetry won an Indiana State Award; loves to hear others strengthening their voice; has taught writing classes at state and national conferences and to staff at Omega Institute of Holistic Studies.

Joanne Conant:

Producing crafts person; commercial art degree from Minne apo lis Technical Inst.; taught for Tuscon Museum of Art School, Eastern CT State College, and other workshops; received awards from and is represented in the Tucson Museum collection.
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Jim Degen:

Woodworker and turner; studied at BCC, also with Ian Kirby and Richard Raffan; exhibits regionally including BCC, Riverguild and other juried craft shows; Past President of Nutmeg Woodturners League; studio in Brookfield, CT.
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Bruce Dehnert:

MFA in ceramics at Alfred Univ.; taught at Hunter College, Parsons School of Art and Design, The School of Art in New Zealand, Universiti Malaysia, Borneo, Malaysia, and most recently at UMass Dartmouth. Work is in many collections including the White House in Washington, DC, the Dowse Museum in New Zealand, the Yixing Museum of Ceramic Art in China, and the Nicolaysen and State Museums in WY. Exhibits both nationally and internationally; has received three Fletcher Challenge International Ceramics Awards; recipient of 2007 Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Currently Head of Ceramics, Peters Valley Craft Center in NJ.

Sydney Eddison:

Author of 6 gardening books, including GARDENS TO GO Creating and Designing a Container Garden; has lectured across the country on garden design; taught for many years at the New York Botanical Gardens

Mark Emig:

Self-employed journeyman blacksmith; started forging over 15 years ago; forged as hobbyist for 10 years; opened his own shop in 2003; work is primarily architectural; commissioned work includes furniture, sculpture, household items; specializes in traditional joinery; studied with Uri Hofi and Mark Aspery.

Liz Alpert Fay:

Program in Artisanry; studied also at Philadelphia College of Art; teaches for Guilford Art Center, Silvermine Guild School; exhibits nationally, work in collections of The White House, Museum of Art & Design, Fairfield Processing; Westchester Craft Show’s Collector’s Award; published in FIBERARTS Design Book Seven, Hooked Rugs Today, The Art Quilt, Complete Guide to Collecting Hooked Rugs, Creative American Quilting; American Craft, The Crafts Report, Country Living, HGTV.

Cynthia Fisher:

BS, Univ. of Maine; studied at Art Institute of Boston. Children’s book illustrator since 1989, over 30 published books; mosaic artist since 2000, commissioned for mosaic wall art and installations nationwide. Teaches for Snow Farm New England Craft Program; work featured in Boston Globe magazine, Berkshire Monthly magazine, The Guild’s The Artful Home (2004, 2006); conducts school mosaic projects throughout New England; member Society of American Mosaic Artists; studio in western MA.

Deborah Fisher:

Creative Director and Quilt Designer for Bright Hopes Collaborative Quilt Project; recipient of JP Morgan Chase Grant for Individual Artists Working in the Community in 2005 and 2007 for community quilt projects; MFA in Fiber, Cranbrook Academy of Art; BFA in Fiber, Maryland Institute of Art.

Frank Finnocchio:

Fine guitar building for over 25 years, specializes in acoustic flat top, classical and arch top instruments; nationally and inter na tion ally known teacher in lutherie art and restoration. Began as machinist for 25 years; employed as process engineer at Martin Guitar company for 9 years, streamlined many steps in making Martin Guitars; major contributor in development of patented process for making the DXM Guitar. Workshop/studio in a restored 19th century carriage house in Easton, PA.

Doug Foulke:

Commercial and fine art photographer based in New York City for the past 20 years; BA from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA; published internationally; recipient of various national advertising awards; co-creator of A Fairy’s Child, published by Harry Abrams.

Viola Galetta:

Native of Budapest Hungary; teaches jewelrymaking, beading classes; textile designer by trade; custom designer of sportswear and neckwear; freelance artist; sells one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Stephanie Gerber:

From Idaho, received her BFA before moving to Manhattan; illustrations for movie posters, ads for companies such as HBO, many diverse magazines, book covers by acclaimed authors including Danielle Steel and Eric Van Lustbader; fine art painting in oils and portraiture; numerous awards and shows; member of the Portrait Society of America and the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, she and her husband Mark have a commercial art studio in Brookfield, CT.

Pat Gullett:

Artist/instructor; BFA Univ. of Illinois, Urbana; MA Columbia College, Chicago; studied at BCC (PMC Certification); 22 years art teaching experience in Chicago Public Schools; contributor to fine art textbook teacher’s edition Understanding Art; book covers for Llewellyn Publishing; articles in Southwest Art, Quest, Connecting Link, U.S. Art; artist for Jewels of the Lotus divinatory deck of cards; exhibits nationally. Working jeweler and fine art painter, studio in New Milford, CT

Lannie Hart:

BFA from Virginia Commonwealth Univ.; fine artist jeweler and Art Doll maker, exhibits nation ally; published in numerous national publications; visit www.lanniehartdesign.com.

Barbara Hurley:

Over 25 years weaving, spinning and knitting experience; ran small farm in Michigan; active member of Black Sheep Weaver’s Guild; studied with numerous weavers including Anita Luvera Mayer, Sharon Alderman, Jason Collingwood, Virginia West, Scott Norris, Gisila Bosch and Joann Bachelder; teaches weaving at The Easton Senior Center and in her studio Working Hands for Fiber Arts in Easton, CT.
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Leslie Smith Jackson:

BS, Studio Art (Fiber), Skidmore College; studied with Navajo weavers DY Begay and Pearl Sunrise, Chimayo weaver Lisa Trujillo, Lewis Knauss, John McQueen, fascinated by all things fiber for 30+ years; studio shop Wild West Weaver in Ridgefield, CT.
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Loretta Lam:

BFA, SUNY New Paltz; 8 years experience making fun and fashionable polymer clay jewelry; business name “Trinkets”; work exhibited in fine galleries and craft shows in NY and CT; teaches adult education programs and at Silvermine Guild of Artists.

Margot Levy:

Studied with John Fix, John Marshall, Rosemary Gould, Anne Besse-Shepherd, and John Cogswell; teaches at Farmington Valley Art Center, Wesleyan Potters, Guilford Handcraft Center, and privately; exhibits throughout New England; studio in New London, CT;

Larry Livolsi:

Glassblower for over 40 years; taught for Rochester Institute of Technology and Southern CT State Univ.; exhibits internationally; received numerous grants including 1980 Winter Olympics sculpture grant, New York Council on the Arts, National Endowment of the Arts, resident at Art Park, NY; worked recycling glass in the Virgin Islands, built three studios there; currently runs a glass shop on St. John, BVI during winters.

Stephanie Maddalena:

BA in Fine Arts, St. Thomas Aquinas College; also studied at Peters Valley Craft Center, BCC, Old Church Cultural Center; taught for Syracuse Univ., Rockland Center for the Arts, Craft Students League; exhibits throughout the region; owns/operates Foxcroft Beads in Haverstraw, NY.
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Nicole Mangino:

BFA, UMass Dartmouth, specialty in textile design and fiber arts; specializes in surface design on fabrics especially, batik, screen printing, hand painting and weaving; also a lampworker with glass and a bookmaker.

Cecilia Marshall:

Teaches at the Wisdom House in Litchfield and BCC. She specializes in bookmaking, drawing and mosaics.

Robin McCahill:

Studied feltmaking over 20 years ago with Beth Beede, constructs masks, props and sculptures; taught wet felting; small works and large-scale environmental sculptures with students; learned needle felting from Anna Vargas at a puppetry festival workshop and redesigned how she works in wool; workshop with Carol Huber Cypher inspired more refinement.

Lady McCrady:

MFA, CUNY Hunter; BFA, Syracuse Univ. School of Art; New York City painter installation artist, exhibited new work continually since 1982; NEA and CT Commission Arts, N.E.F.A. awards. Friend of Warhol in the 1980’s, her NY art scene drawings appeared in national publications. 4th generation Shirret inventor and authority utilizing artist’s skills working with color and writing new patterns for rich tapestry rugs.

Don Metz:

Carpenter/boatbuilder; operates Black Duck Boats in Danbury, CT; exhibits regionally; numerous custom construction projects both commercial and residential.

Michael Mocho:

Full-time craftsman for over 30 years; woodturner and furniture designer from Albuquerque, NM; taught at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Arrowmount School of Craft, John C. Campbell Folk-School, The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Sante Fe Community College; presented programs at regional and national woodturning symposia, and over 25 AAW chapters across the country.

Kristin Muller:

Education Director for BCC and author of The Potter’s Studio Handbook: A Start to Finish Guide to Hand-Built and Wheel-Thrown Ceramics (Quarry Books 2007). Graduate certificate in ceramics from Hood College; BS in Studio Arts, Southern CT State Univ.; currently working on MFA at Hood College; studied independently with Peter Callas and at BCC with many renowned ceramic artists. Taught at several colleges, studio and anagama wood-fired kiln in Dingmans Ferry, PA; visit www.kristinmuller.net.

Jonathan Nedbor:

Metalsmith for over 30 years; worked in large industrial fabricationg shop; fabricated large outdoor sculptures for artists represented by Pace and Marlboro Galleries, NY; custom work for private homes and museums; taught for several decades; served as President and Vice President of Northeast Blacksmithing Association.

Gloria Owens:

Co-owner of YogaSpace and a certified Kripalu yoga instructor, dancer, and figure skater, teaching yoga since 1994; creative classes offer eclectic mix of styles in a fun non-judgmental atmosphere for beginners and intermediate students alike; compassionate intuitive teaching style makes each class a unique experience. Talented graphic designer, artist and photographer, BFA from SUNY Purchase.

Matthew Parkinson:

Self-taught blacksmith and sword maker; graduated from the manufacturing technologies program at Vinal R.V.T.S. where he learned forming, machining, fabricating metal, heat treating and metallurgy; Falling Hammer Productions LLC produces custom knives and swords, high-end railings, furniture, and hardware.

Kraig Patzlaff:

Grandson of renowned lapidary instructor Kurt Patzlaff; expert stone cutter and polisher; workshop in Wolcott, CT.

Fran Phillips:

BA from St. John’s Univ.; partner in Mulligan & Phillips, Decorative Painters, Bloomfield, NJ; featured in Country Living Magazine, Tramp Art: A Folk Art Phenomenon (Fendelman & Taylor); specialist in traditional American crafts; teaches at Seton Hall Univ., the American Folk Art Museum, Fletcher Farm School.

Suzanne Pisano:

Bachelors and Masters degrees in computer science, Iona College where she also studied art. Designs and produces fine jewelry, photographs, handcrafted items; studied silversmithing, lapidary, and glass manipulation under highly esteemed jewelers and glass artists including Fredricka Kulicke, Lessley Burke, Joy Raskin, Linda Banks, Annemarie Ciuffini, Stephanie Maddalena, and Kurt Patzlaff; operates studio in Newtown, CT.

Joan Polzin:

MFA from Western CT State Univ.; studied illustration and painting; works in oils, watercolor, ink, pastel, charcoal; specializes in the human face and figure; studied anatomy; member of The Bethel Arts Junction, SCAN of Newtown, CT, Washington Art Association; work in several private collections; native of New York City, now long-time resident of Brookfield, CT.
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Dennis Preston:

Builder of furniture and wood-working teacher for over 30 years; BS from Univ. of New Haven, MS from Renssalear Polytechnic Institute; licensed professional engineer; worked as Assistant Editor for Fine Woodworking Magazine, contributing editor for Woodworker’s Journal; served as President of Nutmeg Woodturners League.

Kim Day Proctor:

BFA from Rhode Island School of Design in printmaking, block print collage technique for 7 years; print collages have been exhibited in NY and CT; practicing landscape designer working throughout CT for over 25 years.

Joy Raskin:

BFA from Rhode Island School of Design; MFA from UMass; studied at Penland School of Crafts, Peters Valley Craftsmen, Haystack Mt. School of Crafts; exhibits nationally; work in numerous collections in cluding the White House; many awards including Artist Fellowship, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts; published in The Crafts Report, Boston Globe, Metalsmith, Southern Accents; studio in Concord, NH.
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Michael Rivera:

BFA from Syracuse Univ.; MFA from SUNY Purchase; teaches for Continuing Education Dept. at SUNY Purchase; sculptor working in welded steel; exhibits sculpture and paintings nationally; work in private and institutional collections; studio in Roxbury, CT.
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Melissa J. Russell:

Majored in jewelry and silversmithing at Southern CT State Univ.; head designer and model maker for 10 years at a large jewelry casting company; taught teen jewelry course for Multicultural Arts & Technology Program at CCSU in New Britain, CT; working jewelry artist, studio in Bethlehem, CT.

Dolores R. Santoliquido:

Freelance illustrator since 1977; currently Adjunct Professor at Manhattanville College; instructor, Illustration Certificate program, New York Botanical Garden; taught for Morton Arboretum, Humboldt Institute; works in watercolor, graphite, pen and ink; specializes in mixed media, colored pencil, and acrylic; published by Knopff Publishers, Random House, Reader’s Digest, Taunton Press, and William Morrow; one-person shows, numerous group shows including Smithsonian Institution, Longwood Gardens, Hunt Institute for Botanical.

Myra Serrins:

Studio textile artist; MFA from UMass Dartmouth; BFA from Cleveland Institute of Art; exhibits nationally including Center for the Arts, Jackson, WY, Seton Gallery, Univ. of New Haven; taught 2-D Design in Textiles at UMass Dartmouth; gives workshops and lectures for schools and guilds across the nation; studio in Sherman, CT.

Morgan Schwartz:

Graduate of UMass Dartmouth, degree in Art Education; experimented with different art media all his life, precise glass techniques combine all of his interests; blowing glass for 8 years; private lessons at studio in New Haven, CT; visit www.glass artists.org/misticglass

Lisa Scroggins:

Rhode Island School of Design, BFA from Parsons School of Design, studied at Silvermine Guild of Art; professional ceramic artist for 15 years; numerous group shows and awards; exhibited nationwide in many private collections, art galleries and American fine craft stores; published in The New York Times, Danbury New Times, Ridgefield Press, American Style, Niche and Gourmet magazines; private ceramic studio in Ridgefield, CT.

Buster Shaw:

Woodworker and turner; studied at BCC with Beth Ireland and Michael Hosaluk; exhibits locally and in private collections; President of Nutmeg Woodturners League; studio in Bethel, CT.

Christa Shaw:

Nantucket basket maker, teaches regionally; exhibits throughout the northeast.

David Silver:

Professional landscaper, over 25 years of bonsai experience; studied with Japanese, Chinese and American Bonsai masters; owner of Bantam Bonsai, a garden design, construction and maintenance business; specializes in Japanese, perennial, rock and water gardens; member of Bonsai Clubs International, The American Bonsai Society, North American Rock Garden Society.

Wayne Smith:

Professional woodworker; studied with many national carvers; exhibits work and demonstrates nationally; studio in Newtown, CT.

Joe Szilaski:

Metalworking trade school and fine arts in Europe, bladesmith for over 40 years; worked as ornamental ironworker and senior detailer in art foundry specializing in bronze and steel sculpture; makes one-of a kind knives and tomahawks; voting member of the Knife Makers Guild; earned “Master Smith” rating from American Bladesmith Society; numerous awards, work has appeared in books and magazines; currently a field editor for Blade Magazine.

Steve Tanneberger:

BS in art education from Southern CT State Univ.; studied at the Univ. of Notre Dame, Lake Placid School of Art; taught pottery and workshops for many local art centers and schools including Rowayton Art Center, Escape to the Arts, Wooster Community Art Center; currently teaches at The Melrose School in Brewster, NY.

Virginia A. Teichner:

Studied at Art Students League and League of Visual Artists; decorative painter for 25 years, teaches nationally; published in Country Living, House Beautiful, Antiques, House & Garden, Colonial Home, The New York Times; studio in Ridgefield, CT.

Keith Tompkins:

Member Northeastern Woodworkers Association, American Association of Woodturners, Wood Turning Center, ACC; published in Fine Woodworking, Woodwork, 500 Wood Bowls; Winner of 2005 Niche Award.

Paul Andrew Wandless:

MFA from Arizona State Univ.; MA from Minnesota State Univ. Mankato; BFA from Univ. of Delaware. Authored Image Transfer On Clay (Lark Books, 2006), co-authored Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques (Lark Books, 2004); writes articles for publications including Pottery Making Illustrated (regular contributor) and Graphic Impressions. Cofounded mutlicultural artist website www.cultural visions .org (1999), on-line magazine www.terracotta mag.com (launched October 2006). Workshops and lectures regarding his art, techniques and research around the US and Canada; Presidential Appointee to the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) since 2003 as video editor for the demonstrating artists program; served on Board of Directors for NCECA as Director-at-Large (2001–2003); Board of Directors for The Clay Studio of Philadelphia (2003–2006); steering committee member for the Philadelphia Sculptors since 2001; studio in eastern PA.

Paula Walton:

Professional craftsperson since 1986, sells as “A Sweet Remembrance”; one of Early American Life’s top traditional craftsmen in America (1996, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005); published in Teddy Bear Review, Teddy Bear Source Book, Cross Stitch and Country Crafts, Santa Claus, Holiday Crafts, Crafting Traditions, Christmas from the Heart, Christmas All Through the House, Scrap Crafts from A to Z, Holiday Cooking and The Williams Catalogue of American Master Craftsmen; craftsperson in residence at Old Sturbridge Village, 2005.

John Verner:

BFA from Philadelphia College of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; taught in numerous schools and art centers; exhibited nationally including 10 one-man shows, work ranges from painted constructions to impressionistic photography; certified yoga and meditation teacher, specializes in vinyasa, breath, and movement; teaches throughout the tri-county area including the Omega Institute.

Jeff Zamek:

BFA and MFA in ceramics from Alfred Univ., College of Ceramics; taught for Simon’s Rock College and Keane College; started ceramics consulting firm; published in Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Clay Times, Studio Potter, Craft Horizons; author of What Every Pottery Should Know.