Instructor - Dana Bridges 

I am excited to share my passion and knowledge of clay with you through my fun and engaging classes! I am a professional artist and small business owner specializing in making sculptural and functional wares based on the spiral form. I like to say I have been working with ceramics since 3rd grade playing in a creek next to my elementary school in Shawnee, Kansas. I earned my BFA and MFA with emphasis in ceramics at Missouri State and have taught wheel throwing and hand building skills to individuals of all skill levels for many years. My background includes teaching elementary art with Springfield Public Schools, various summer and museum programs, and even instructing a few college courses.

My favorite thing about clay is the smell and feel (or response). My favorite part of the process of making ceramics is opening the kiln after a glaze firing. It’s so much like Christmas getting to hold your finally-transformed-pieces after a long period of anticipation.

In addition to being an artist and business owner, I am a mom of two children ages 12 & 14. My husband works at Missouri State developing various programs and teaching English to international students. I love people, celebrations, and making connections, and I look forward to developing community with you at the studio.