Instructors

Noel Bailey

Noel Bailey is a potter and teacher, working, living, and playing in Vermont’s Mad River Valley. 

Born and raised in Southwest Colorado, Noel has a passion for exploring outdoors, on rivers, cliffs, and in the mountains. He has a M.F.A. from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a B.A. in Art Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He has had several residencies at Laloba Ranch Clay Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado as well as an apprenticeship with Potter Bill Wilson, of Montrose, CO.

Lindsay Barrett

I began making pottery daily, after I graduated from UVM in 1999.  Now, with over 15 years of teaching experience, I enjoy sharing my knowledge, experience and appreciation for ceramic arts.  Personally, I love creating functional dinnerware/kitchenware as well as inspired, original pieces in my little studio in Waterbury with all the shiny blue glazes one can handle!

I especially love teaching all abilities and experience levels which makes a mixed level class so much fun.  I'm always ready to help execute a new project idea, and will also guide you in honing your own style and techniques.

Leslie Montalto

Leslie Montalto started her exploration of ceramics while attending college in Ohio. She expanded her scope of influence in Tennessee under the tutelage of Jack Troy and Lana Wilson at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. After a stint working with McKenzie Smith at the Baltimore Clay Works of Maryland, she was drawn to the majesty of the Green Mountains in Vermont where in 2004 she established her studio in the Mad River Valley. Always evolving her work, she strives to achieve a balance between positive and negative space, while incorporating the flow of nature.

Polly Wellford

Teaching is in my bones. I have taught in schools, on horses, on snowy mountains, and in clay studios. There is nothing like sharing the joy of something you are passionate about. What I love most about teaching pottery is seeing my students tap into their creative energy, allowing themselves to be engrossed in the process while forgetting about the stress and worry of the outside world. Clay has a way of doing that. It is healing, addicting and super fun! 
My love affair with clay started in high school and though my life has taken me in many directions, I have always returned to the studio. I have taught in community studios over the years, managed an art gallery, worked for other potters, and have run my own pottery business for over 15 years. 

Curtis Fontaine

Curtis Fontaine grew up in Exeter NH and began learning ceramics from Ron Burke, Chris Archer and Sarah Burns. He continued his passion for clay at Skidmore College, managing their ceramics studio for two years and studying under Regis Brodie and Leslie Ferst. After school he moved on to an apprenticeship under Toshiko Takaezu. Living and working with her he learned the philosophies and practices of a natural and true artist. By the time he was finished with the apprenticeship he set out to strengthen his ties with nature. First he worked at Saratoga Apple for Christine and Nate Darrow and Joseph Garricks. Then on Masala Farm as an animal caretaker for Survir Saran and Charlie Burd, where he took care of alpacas, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens and geese. In 2019 his work was selected by Todd Merrill to be carried in his gallery in NYC, South Hampton and around the country. Curtis tries to continue Toshiko’s practices by balancing his time between ceramics, nature and cooking.

Tabbatha Henry

Tabbatha Henry is a ceramic artist from Waterbury, Vermont.  She took her first pottery class at Skidmore College with Regis Brodie and immediately knew she had to learn all she could.  After participating in studio work-exchange situations in Vermont, New York, and Colorado, she decided to go back to school and received her MFA in ceramics from the School for American Crafts at RIT in 2004.  After a residency at the Mendocino Arts Center in California, Tabbatha moved back to Vermont where for 20 years she ran a small batch ceramic business designing, making, and distributing translucent porcelain lighting, home décor, and installation sculpture.  She is currently taking a sabbatical from the business to focus more on making art and teaching. When she's not in the studio Tabbatha loves to hike with her dog Inca and is learning to play the guitar.  Kind of.

ALexi High

Alexi is a native of Denver and a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute with his BFA in ceramics. He quickly began exploring the word of metal fabrication after college. Currently, he is exploring pottery and figurative ceramic sculpture using screen printed imagery of natural elements. He has been included in several gallery shows and has had solo shows in Kansas City and Denver. He has been a finalist for several public art projects and has completed two public art projects for the city of Denver.