New teaching artists
Learn about Visual Arts’ three new, incredible teaching artists joining us this Fall. Check out their websites and social media, and what classes you can sign up for with them this session!
Anna Archibald
Bio: Anna Archibald (she/her) is a freelance food and drink journalist and editor with a BS in Journalism: News and Information from the University of Kansas, and a therapeutic horticulturist with training from the New York Botanical Garden. She’s also an enthusiastic, self-taught sewist and knitter who enjoys finding the beauty in perfectly imperfect handmade items. Having first learned to machine and hand sew around the age of eight, she’s used these skills to alter, mend, and make garments from scratch for years. Her long-term goal is to create a fully handmade wardrobe full of natural fibers and help others gain the skills to do the same, moving away from fast-fashion and toward more sustainable options.
Anna’s Work: Website
| Sewing Fundamentals | In It to Knit It |
| This class introduces the fundamentals of clothing construction, sewing machine operation, alterations and various types of seams and stitches. | Learn the fundamental techniques for turning yarn into knit fabric while crafting a cozy, multifunctional bandana. You’ll learn how to cast on, cast off, knit, purl, increase, and decrease, as well as how to follow a knitting pattern and address common mistakes as you go. |
| FAF15: 9/12-10/31, FR; 10 AM-12 PM, Anna Archibald | FAF25: 11/17-12/5, FR; 10 AM-12 PM, Anna Archibald |
Ryan Caldwell
Bio: Ryan Caldwell received his BFA in Ceramics and Sculpture from Washburn University, where he was awarded the 2015 Charles A. and Margaret Pollak Art Purchase Award, and earned his MFA from the University of Montana in 2020. He has held residencies at Red Lodge Clay Center in Montana and Medalta in Alberta, Canada, with work included in the collections of the Mulvane Art Museum, Shimpo’s permanent collection, and the Montana Museum of Arts and Culture. A founding director of Wildfire Ceramic Studio in Missoula, Montana, Ryan recently relocated to pursue new creative opportunities. His utilitarian ceramics explore the tension between industrial landscapes and domestic spaces, blending subtle forms with a clean, contemporary approach to traditional craft.
Ryan’s Work: Instagram: @caldwellceramics | Website
| Handbuilt Pots | Beginning Handbuilding |
| This course will cover coil building methods to create vases, jars and functional wares. We will explore surface decoration with slip, underglaze and glazing techniques. | Students will learn basic building techniques through pinch pots, coiling, and slab construction and then transition into more advanced forming and surface decoration techniques. |
| FAC34: 9/11-11/20, TH; 7 PM-9 PM, Ryan Caldwell | FAC11: 9/8-11/17, MO; 7 PM-9 PM, Ryan Caldwell |
Susan Poer
Bio: Susan Poer is a mixed-media artist with a passion for the creative process and the joy it generates. She’s enthusiastic about learning new techniques and is always exploring and finding new ways to express herself creatively. She is dedicated to sharing this passion with her students that also crave the desire to express their creativity.
Susan’s Work: Instagram: susanpoerart | Website
| Teen Crochet | Teen Thrift Flips |
| Join our beginner-friendly crochet class just for teens–no experience needed! Learn basic stitches and how to follow simple patterns with clear, step-by-step instruction. Chill vibes, creative fun, and yarn magic guaranteed! | Learn to cut, alter, sew, and stitch reclaimed clothing into one-of-a-kind fashion statements. We’ll venture to Arizona Trading Company to spark our ideas and select thrifted garments to transform while learning to use sewing machines, hand stitching, and other fashion alteration techniques. Students are encouraged to bring found clothing and will have a ‘fashion budget’ to purchase clothes to alter. |
| FYTF4A: 9/11-10/16, TH; 4 PM-6 PM, Susan Poer | FYT4B: 10/23-12/4, TH; 4 PM-6 PM, Susan Poer |