Staff Bios

Barb received her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University and her Master's Degree from Western Michigan University. After retiring from a career of teaching, she became a Certified Master Gardener from Michigan State University. In 2015, Barb found the Michigan Art Center and it became her home away from home. Barb occasionally works on the wheel, but really enjoys hand building with clay the most. Barb enjoys gardening, raising butterflies and sharing her love of clay with her students and friends.

Bobby received his BFA at College for Creative Studies in ceramics-Craft and Material Studies. As the Ceramic Studio Technician Manager at Michigan Art Center, Bobby oversees the daily operations of the ceramics studio, helping ensure a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for artists, students, and instructors. He manages kiln operations, maintains studio equipment, monitors materials and inventory, and provides technical support for a wide range of ceramic processes and projects. Known for his problem-solving skills and dedication to the ceramic arts, he is committed to supporting artists at every stage of their creative journey.

Cortney began exploring clay in elementary school. Fortunate enough to attend a high school that offered higher-level ceramic classes, she took all four basic courses and an independent study focusing on wheel-thrown functional pottery. While studying Early Childhood Development at Central Michigan University, she focused her available Art minor credits on Pottery. From college, her experiments in slip trailing pottery took off and continue to develop and evolve. Cortney discovered the Michigan Art Center in the summer of 2020 and is currently the Studio teacher at Northville Public Schools, Early Childhood Education Program.

Dave embodies the vision of the Michigan Art Center. Having enrolled at the MAC as a complete beginner student seven years ago, he is now a popular teacher and professional ceramic artist specializing in wheel throwing and surface treatments. He knows that with the proper support, magic can happen for anyone on the potter's wheel. His classes are characterized by much laughter and excitement as students discover their own hidden talents, and make friends in the process. Dave graduated with honors from the University of Michigan.

Dominique thrives on exploring the vast, wonderful world of ceramics. In her time as an undergraduate at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (graduated in 2011), she focused primarily on wheel throwing. She also discovered she particularly loves playing with surfaces as well as developing her own clays and glazes. She finds inspiration everywhere — walking through the woods, farmers markets, listening to music. Every day in the studio brings new ideas and projects, and she's more than happy to share those with her students at the MAC. Her work always draws the eye with graceful forms, intriguing carving, and beautiful glazing.

Eric discovered pottery at the age of 12 and, after stepping away from the craft for more than a decade, returned to the wheel with the same passion for creating. He enjoys exploring new forms, experimenting with surface techniques, and finding the perfect glaze combinations to bring each piece to life. At Michigan Art Center, Eric supports students with glaze questions, firing processes, kiln operations, and studio techniques. When he's not at the studio, Eric enjoys spending time outdoors on the golf course or exploring nature.

Erika has been working with metal for over 25 years and has extensive experience teaching art for the last 20 years, including the last ten years teaching Jewelry and Ceramics at Wayne Memorial High School. In 1999, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in Jewelry/Metalsmithing and a Teaching Certificate K–12 from Eastern Michigan University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Jewelry/Metalsmithing, with her entire Masters program devoted to exploring new techniques in wire manipulation and wire art. During the summer months she exhibits at the Plymouth Art In the Park and Milford Memories art fairs.

Gina holds a degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and a Master's in Educational Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She began her pottery journey in 2018 and specializes in hand building, creating whimsical pieces inspired by nature, animals, and the creative process itself. Before joining the MAC, Gina expanded her skills through workshops at the John C. Campbell Folk School and Arrowmont School of Arts. She has also explored raku, saggar and pit firing. Gina is passionate about creating a fun, welcoming environment where students can explore clay, build confidence, and bring their creative ideas to life.

Sara specializes in functional pottery, with a focus on wheel throwing and thoughtful form development. Her work is designed with purpose, balancing beauty and functionality in every piece. Believing that pottery is a lifelong practice, Sara encourages her students to embrace experimentation, learn from mistakes, and celebrate both successes and failures as part of the creative journey. Her supportive teaching style helps students build confidence while developing their skills at the wheel.

The ceramic art of Frank James Fisher is unique among American art. Frank's art is a sculptural blend of popular culture, iconic form and graphic design. A subtle narrative is woven into his art making each piece personal and reflective of American life. He is a master of ultra-thin slab forms, raku firing and innovative glazing methods. Outside the classroom, Frank is an author of more than 20 articles in national ceramic publications including Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Art and Perception and Ceramics Technical. His work is featured in numerous books and exhibited nationally.

Barb worked for the Gibraltar School District from 1978 until she retired in 2010, teaching Art grades 1–7 and a range of other subjects. Barb holds a Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University with a major and minor in Art and Design and a concentration in Ceramics, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She also holds a Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Elementary Education. She did post-graduate work at Goddard College in Multicultural Studies. Barb has visited over forty countries.