Below you will find details about the instructors at Burnish. This may include teachers who are not in the current session, but whom we expect will be returning for a class soon.
Kacie Guthrie (she/her): I've been working with clay on and off for the past 20 years as a dedicated hobbyist. Although most of the work I make now is functional pottery, I spent many years focused on handbuilt sculptural ceramics. My background is in experiential education and I've been an educator on tall ships as well as a woodworking school on the Olympic peninsula. Today, my day job is digital design, but working with clay and the community of the studio is what keeps me happy and healthy.
Jeremy Noet (he/him): I was exposed to clay in high school and have been unable to stop learning about it for the last 24 years. I love making useful items that I hope will fit into people hands. Megan my partner and boss has found ways for us to make a living from my love of playing with clay. Now with BCS I am hoping to help others find a love with this sometimes frustrating medium!
Finley Rick (they/them): Being born and raised in the strong art community of Bellingham, I've always had a love and appreciation for ceramics. I've been doing pottery for 4 years and my main focus is wheel thrown work. I am also the Studio Technician at Burnish!
Margaret Rattle (she/her) was born in Southern California and grew up in the Mojave Desert. She completed undergraduate work at Pomona College and University of Washington and received her MFA from Claremont Graduate School. Margaret was Professor of Art at Santa Rosa Junior College and taught at Sonoma State University, Napa College, and Central Oregon Community College. She has an extensive exhibition record and has been visiting artist at various venues in US and Canada. When not in her studio, she can be found somewhere outdoors–hiking, skiing, kayaking or exploring.
Hilde Schaaf (she/her): I have my roots deep in the art of pottery. I grew up in an area of Germany where pottery has a long standing tradition and in a family of potters who fueled my early interest in working with clay. My designs are my own unique creations. Early in my professional development I started to make my own brushes, which led me to the brush strokes on much of my work.
Shelly Stark (she/her): Clay work has been my passion and companion for the better part of 35 years. As a true eclectic I have tried many techniques, taught all ages and learned from many teachers. The best part of my commitment to the craft is sharing it with others.
Sara Young (she/her) is a local artist whose work spans 4 decades. She has been teaching ceramics to both kids and adults since the late 90s, and loves to watch her students gain confidence through skill building in the arts. You can view her work in the gift shop at the Whatcom County Art Museum.