Polly Smith, Jewelry and Metals Lead Instructor

Polly Smith directs the programs for the Metalsmithing and Jewelry Studios and the Sculpture Studio. She has a BFA, emphasis in Metalsmithing from Arizona State University and an MFA, emphasis in Metalsmithing and Sculpture from New Mexico State University. Her work is an examination of the tensions present at the intersection of human creation (society) and the body (nature).

Jill Baker, Visual Arts Instructor

Jessica Calderwood, Visual Arts Instructor

Jessica Calderwood is the Artist in Residence for 2005/06. She received her BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art and her MFA from Arizona State University. Coming from a background in painting, her metalwork implements bold colors and hand-drawn elements through the use of vitreous enamel. Her work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and Great Britain.

Cody Cooper, Visual Arts Instructor

Doug Duffy, Visual Arts Instructor

Avid rock hound and active member of the Maricopa Lapidary Society, Doug developed the lapidary and silversmithing programs for the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum. He teaches classes there and at the Phoenix Center for the Arts. We are fortunate to add his considerable talents and experience to our lapidary classes at the Mesa Arts Center.

Dick Mcpheron, Visual Arts Instructor

Dick also teaches at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum and brings 20 years of experience faceting gemstones to our program. Member of the Maricopa Lapidary Society, Dick demonstrates and exhibits his work regularly and has won awards for his faceted stones.

Laura Miller, Visual Arts Instructor

Alison King, Visual Arts Instructor

Certified as a Level 1 PMC instructor, Ms. King's work combines casting, beading and precious metal clay, employing words and images to create lyrical, evocative jewelry.