Creating Community with Clay
At Northwest Pottery Collective, we endeavor to make the ceramic arts accessible and enjoyable for students of all ages and abilities. We hope to support artists at all stages of their ceramic journeys, whether they have worked with clay for years or are just starting out. Our goal is to share our knowledge and love for the ceramic arts in a fun, welcoming, and community-centered way. We hope that you will let us be a part of your journey!
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a welcoming and encouraging space for ceramic artists of all ages and abilities to engage with the ceramic arts and the community.
The Northwest Pottery Collective Team
Beth Fitzpatrick
Founder
Beth Fitzpatrick (she/her) has been on her pottery journey for over 20 years and is excited to start this next chapter by founding Northwest Pottery Collective! As an Eastside native, Beth is excited to share her love of pottery with the community that she loves, as well as her belief that each piece of pottery tells a story that is as unique and beautiful as the artist who creates it. As a wife and a mother of three, pottery provides Beth with the ability to focus on something tangible, controllable, and centering in a world that is often not. Beth hopes that she is able to help others discover the joy and centeredness that pottery has brought her at Northwest Pottery Collective!
Lacie Warden
Instructor/Studio Technician
Lacie Warden (they/she) has been working with clay since 2004 and has a BFA from Ohio University. Lacie started their own business (Queen Bee Ceramics) in 2015 and began teaching in 2017. Bringing to life whimsical creatures and tongue-in-cheek ideas, Lacie delights in sparking joy through creating and teaching. They are a determined ray of sunshine, ready to swoop in and save a wobbly pot or hand over a favorite tool that happens to be just right for what you need. It’s widely debated whether they are even of the mortal realm. Other interests include taking photographs of slugs, booping mushrooms, and yearning to be small enough to live within the lush moss growing on that tree over there.
Mikey Warden
Admin/Studio Technician
Mikey Warden (he/him) is a life-long lover of the arts and former Theater and Events Technician. In 2018, Mikey excitedly jumped into Ceramics feet first! With his eye for color and light, Mikey loves sharing his glazing knowledge with everyone, at every opportunity. He thrives "behind the scenes," from helping art spaces run smoothly to encouraging individual ideas to flow generously, this focus on community-building and knowledge-sharing makes him very excited to be part of the Northwest Pottery Collective team!
Jacqueline Yañez
Instructor/Studio Technician
Jacqueline Yañez (they/she) has been immersed in the world of clay since their first college elective in Fall 2016—an instant love affair with the medium! With an art degree specializing in ceramics, Jackie brings both skill and heart to their teaching. Their approach is rooted in kindness, curiosity, and a quick-witted attitude, making pottery accessible and joyful for everyone. Whether hand-building, sculpting, or wheel throwing, Jackie believes the magic of clay lies in playful experimentation and the vibrant community it fosters. As an instructor, they strive to inspire students by celebrating the messy, rewarding journey of learning. After all, the best creations come from a place of fun.
Emma Johnson
Instructor/Studio Technician
Emma (they/them) is a non-binary potter from Redmond who graduated from California Lutheran University with a degree in Art, and whose love of art has been ever-present. Emma has recently been creating various ceramic works, including sculptures, dinner sets, food-themed works, and collections of cute dinnerware and characters. They are passionate about sharing their love of clay with anyone who will listen (kids and adults alike) and love being able to connect with others through art of any kind.
Dezmond Peck
Studio Technician
Dezmond (he/him) picked up pottery through high school and after getting more into ceramics in college, he couldn’t see himself doing anything else. He loves trying new techniques and learning new skills, both in creating art and working in the technical aspects. He enjoys experimenting with unique firing techniques, and trying to improve wherever possible. He loves being in a community based around ceramics and the environment it creates. His favorite thing about pottery is that there is always something new to try.
