Sharon Virtue is an artist, facilitator, trainer and visionary ‘inspirationalist’ currently based in Fairfax, California, while working internationally in arts and creative community development.

Her work has two strands, one as a dancer and artist, creating paintings and ceramics, and the other as a creative community activator, teaching expressive arts workshops and facilitating community development projects. She has won several awards as an individual artist and her work is published in several art publications.

Travel is her greatest inspiration, and was the catalyst for her expansion from solitary artist into the realm of community. This site was designed to encourage the potential artist in everyone, that it IS possible to make a living with your artwork and make positive change in the world.

Sharon received a BA (hons) in Fine Art from Sheffield Polytechnic. She moved to London after graduating, and studied dance at the Laban Institute. After relocating to Vancouver to further dance studies at Simon Fraser University in Canada, she moved to San Francisco. Here she began working in ceramics again, at Ruby’s Clay Studio. www.rubysclaystudio.org

At Ruby’s Clay Studio, Sharon designed and managed the Mud Bus outreach project, a mobile clay studio. The Mud Bus won awards and funding from San Francisco Arts Commission, the Yahoo Employment Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund. Since 2001 She has been raising money in fundraising exhibitions, enabling her to fund volunteer international community art projects.

To learn more about Sharon see her work on her website: Virtue Vision

Robert Abrams: Co-Owner of Amphora, Artist, Educator, and Gallery Curator

For over two decades, Robert Abrams has been a cornerstone of the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area art community. As the owner and curator of the esteemed Abrams Claghorn Gallery, Robert has dedicated himself to promoting and nurturing local talent while fostering a dynamic space for artistic expression.

Robert's journey in the arts began nearly three decades ago when he first stepped into a pottery class. Since then, clay has remained his cherished medium, a source of endless fascination and inspiration. However, his creative spirit knows no bounds, as he explores and experiments with various other media to bring his artistic visions to life.

An esteemed educator, Robert has been sharing his passion for ceramics since 2001. From renowned studios like The Berkeley Art Studio to institutions like Laney College in Oakland, Robert has left an indelible mark on countless aspiring artists. As both a ceramics instructor and gallery director at Laney College, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of artistic talent.

Since 2012, Robert has been instrumental in nurturing the pottery community at MVPS, where he teaches ceramics and conducts raku workshops. His dedication to teaching extends beyond imparting technical skills; Robert strives to instill a deep appreciation for the craft and a sense of artistic integrity in all his students.

In Robert Abrams, the Bay Area art scene has found not just a curator and educator but a passionate advocate for creativity and innovation. His unwavering commitment to the arts, coupled with his boundless enthusiasm for teaching, continues to enrich and inspire the local artistic landscape.

Lucy is not just a ceramicist; she's a passionate advocate for the transformative power of clay. As the owner of Mill Valley Pottery Studio, and Co-Owner of Amphora, Lucy has dedicated herself to sharing her love for ceramics since 2010. Her journey in pottery is a testament to her deep-rooted fascination with the intersection of art and science, where functionality meets artistic expression.

Inspired by the simplicity and beauty of everyday life, Lucy draws her creative energy from the world of food and functionality. Her work reflects a harmonious blend of form and function, where each piece tells a story of utility and aesthetic delight.

Beyond the potter's wheel, Lucy's creative pursuits extend to graphic design and silkscreen printing. Much of her work is adorned with intricate hand-made silkscreen prints, adding layers of texture and visual interest to the clay surface.

For Lucy, ceramics is more than just a creative outlet — it's a journey of discovery and enlightenment. She believes that through ceramics, we can explore not only art and history but also delve into the realms of science, engineering, and self-reflection. It's a medium that transcends boundaries, offering endless opportunities for growth and exploration.

When she's not immersed in clay, Lucy finds solace in nature, exploring the hills of Sonoma County with her daughter, husband, and beloved dog. Whether she's hiking through lush forests or shaping clay in her studio, Lucy's passion for life shines through, inspiring those around her to embrace creativity and curiosity at every turn.

Peter Phibbs, a seasoned ceramic artist from Mill Valley, CA, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the world of pottery. With a career spanning over two decades, Peter's passion for clay has led him to master every facet of the craft, from throwing functional pottery to hand-building intricate sculptural forms on any scale.

Peter's journey into ceramics began with a solid foundation laid at Tam High School, where his passion for the medium first took root. This initial spark ignited a lifelong dedication to the art, leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Alfred University in 1987, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1992.

Throughout his illustrious career, Peter has held various roles in academia and studio practice, each contributing to his extensive knowledge and skill set. As the Head of Ceramics at Colorado Mountain College Aspen from 1997 to 2004, he instructed students of all levels, imparting his expertise in firing techniques ranging from raku to wood and soda firing.

During his tenure at Anderson Ranch, Peter served as a Resident for Ceramics for two years, while also assisting visiting artists such as Peter Voulkos.

His commitment to teaching earned him the highest teacher evaluations at CU Boulder, where he excelled in instructing drawing and ceramics courses for graduate students.

Peter's talents extend beyond the realm of ceramics, as evidenced by his three-time championship in the snow sculpture competition in Aspen, Colorado. This multifaceted artist continues to inspire and innovate, pushing the boundaries of his craft with each new endeavor.

For Peter Phibbs, pottery isn't just a vocation—it's a lifelong journey of discovery, creativity, and unwavering passion.

Jullian DeVries is an up coming artist from Mill Valley currently pursuing a degree in studio art.

With hands that are equally adept at shaping clay as they are at gripping onto crags, Jullian’s journey as a potter and rock climber is a testament to his adventurous spirit and unwavering determination. Whether he’s at the potter's wheel, coaxing elegant forms from malleable clay, or hanging from a cliff face, navigating the intricate dance of balance and strength, Jullian is in his element.

Jullian’s affinity for crafting large pots stems from a desire to explore the boundaries of scale and presence. These monumental vessels stand as testament to the marriage of strength and delicacy, their imposing stature inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of space and volume. Through their sheer size, they command attention, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for the craftsmanship embedded within.

For Jullian, pottery and rock climbing are not just hobbies — they are a way of life, a harmonious blend of creativity, adventure, and self-discovery. Through his work, he seeks to inspire others to embrace their passions, conquer their fears, and find beauty in unlikely places.