Award-winning ceramic artist and nationally recognized instructor Maria Spies has been named the director of the ceramic arts program at the Eastern Shore Art Center. An independent studio potter since 1973, Spies has been an instructor at ESAC since 2008, and has taught and managed ceramics programs in Dallas, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. Her work is represented in many galleries throughout the country, as well as in private collections and corporate offices.

Bryant Whelan, newly appointed Executive Director at ESAC, said she recognized in her first week at the Art Center the value that Spies brings to its ceramics program. “The students love Maria, and are inspired and enlightened with new ideas and techniques that Spies shares with her students. They want to sign up for her classes even before we have them listed,” said Whelan. “Everyone at the center, from the staff to the Board, as well as the students, appreciates Maria’s dedication, professionalism and instinctive leadership qualities,” Whelan said.

Spies said that teaching others through pottery classes and workshops has been an important and rewarding part of her career. “I find that in teaching, I continually learn from my students even as I instruct them,” said Spies.

The Eastern Shore Art Center offers a variety of ceramics arts classes from wheel-thrown pottery, to hand building and sculpture. Pinewood Pottery Studios is a full-service facility with multiple pottery wheels, ceramic kilns and a wood-fired kiln. For information on classes, click here.

* MEET & GREET: Maria will be set up at the next First Friday Art Walk, March 2^nd @ 6-8pm selling her wares and answering any of your burning questions! *

Have you taken a pottery class or workshop at ESAC? Let us know in the comments below!