How did you get into your field?

I am a practicing potter, with formal training. Like many artists, I work as a teaching artist. My family has a history of working for non-profit community organizations. So, in some ways, working for a non-profit is the family biz.

Who or what were influences to your growth as an artist?

In my neighborhood, there was an artist, Dorothy Cannon, who used her home as an art school for children and adults. I took classes there every Saturday beginning at 6 years old. We often travelled with her as well, in a VW Bus of course, throughout the Southwest, drawing and painting everywhere we went.

In college, the kindest teacher was Jacob Lawerence. He taught me how to shake off the sting of criticism.

What does teaching / facilitating access to art experiences mean to you?

Lots of people would like to make art. It’s already there, inside of them, simply because they are human.  Offering them the opportunity and creating the environment where they feel safe to express themselves matters greatly. Learning something new takes courage. It’s inspirational when someone is willing to try.

Teaching helps me continue to learn. Students’ questions direct me to reexamine my own ideas. That connection is a wonderful thing! It is a constant reminder that we are all in this together.

What is something you would tell someone considering going into the arts?

The Art world is a big place. There’s something for everybody.

Answer of your choice.

Always the same answer: Let it dry.

We’ll be highlighting staff and faculty artists through out the year. Julie teaches a variety of wheel throwing and handbuilding classes at the New Art Center.