Lorna Meaden (she/her)
Lorna Meaden - New Mentor, 2027
Durango, Co. Lorna Meaden is a highly celebrated American studio potter and ceramic educator widely recognized for her intricate, functional soda-fired porcelain ware. Based out of her home studio in Durango, Colorado, Meaden balances practical usability with a lavish, highly ornamented aesthetic. Her work bridges the gap between everyday ritual and historical luxury
Rhonda Willers (she/her)
Rhonda Willers - Mentor since 2026
Rhonda Willers is an American multidisciplinary studio artist, author, researcher, and educator celebrated for her expertise in ancient surface techniques and quiet, meditative installations. Based in rural Elk Mound, Wisconsin, her practice blends functional ceramic vessels, handbuilt earthenware, facial tissues, soundscapes, and social practice to explore human memory, fragility, and communal connection
Lisa Orr (she/her)
Lisa Orr - Mentor Since 2022
Lisa Orr is a professional potter and has been a student of ceramics for more than 40 years. After completing her MFA in 1992 at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, she received a Fulbright and an MAAA/NEA grant to continue her studies. Her work is shown in numerous public and private collections including the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, and the permanent collection of WOCEF in Korea. A full-time studio potter, she also teaches, lectures, and shows nationally and internationally.
Simon Levin (he/him)
Simon Levin - Mentor and Program Founder 2021
Simon Levin is an internationally acclaimed American studio potter, kiln builder, and non-traditional educator widely recognized as a master of atmospheric wood firing. Formerly based in Wisconsin for nearly two decades, he operates his permanent studio and teaching facility, Mill Creek Pottery, out of Pawnee, Illinois. His practice explores the primal human connection with earth and fire, trading traditional commercial glazes for the natural, flame-painted finishes of wood ash.
Martha Grover (she/her)
Martha Grover - Mentor since 2026
Bethel, Maine, US. Martha is a functional potter creating thrown and altered porcelain pieces. She attended Bennington College in Vermont, where she received her undergraduate degree in Architecture. After going to Syracuse University in New York as a fifth year student in Ceramics, she decided to pursue a graduate degree in clay. In 2007, Martha received her MFA in ceramics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Since then she was awarded the Fogelberg Fellowship for a residency at the Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Sage Scholarship for a summer residency at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. Martha completed a year long residency at Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, Montana in August 2009. She received the Taunt Fellowship at the Archie Bray Foundation in 2010. Her work can be found at the Red Lodge Clay Center, the Archie Bray Foundation, the Clay Studio of Missoula, Schaller Gallery, 18 Hands Gallery, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Charlie Cummings Gallery, and Cedar Creek Gallery. Her work has been published in Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Clay Times, 500 Pitchers, 500 Platters and Chargers, and 500 Vases. Martha's work was featured on the cover of Ceramic Monthly’s May 2010 issue.
