Open Pottery Studio

Jessica Confeld is the Business Operations Manager for her family-owned bicycle retail business and a passionate ceramic artist. After returning to pottery just over a year ago following a long hiatus, she quickly rediscovered her love for working with clay and creating functional art. Having explored many artistic mediums over the years, Jessica finds ceramics especially rewarding because it combines sculpture, painting, creativity, and craftsmanship in one process. She also values pottery as a meaningful way to slow down, focus, and de-stress. Jessica is excited to share her enthusiasm for ceramics with new students and help them build confidence while exploring the creative process through clay.

Chris Frederiksen has been making pottery for nearly fifteen years and helping with classes at the Eisenhower Community Center for ten years, included Beginning Pottery and Empty Bowls. Chris says “Pottery has been a great outlet for my own creativity and I look forward to sharing the experience with you. You’ll be given an opportunity to learn techniques and skills in a relaxed fun environment, with a laugh or two along the way!”

Kathy took her first pottery class through Hopkins Community Education in 1995. Over the last eighteen years, she has continued to grow in her skills as a potter. For the last 13 years, Kathy has worked helping hundreds of adults and children make bowls for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. Kathy has developed a signature "Empty Bowls necklace" that she produces each year for the event. Kathy also enjoys creating ceramic "garden art" in addition to all her creations for Empty Bowls.