Artists & Instructors
Shannyn Dowsett
Ceramics / Studio Tech
Shannyn ran Slug in the Mud Pottery Studio from her home, building a thriving clay community, and now joins the FIG as Studio Technician and Instructor. With four years of ceramics practice and a multidisciplinary arts background, she brings a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to teaching. Her work is colourful, whimsical, and inspired by nature and folklore, blending organic forms with functional design.
Natalie Claire Cole
Ceramics
With over a decade of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for the arts, Natalie works across many mediums, with ceramics at the heart of her practice. Inspired by art’s ability to enhance wellbeing, she brings creativity and purpose into every class.
“The moment I began pottery, it transported me into the most beautiful flow state.”
Natalie Claire Cole
Brenda King
Metalsmith
With 20+ years of experience in metal and glass, Brenda joins us from Burnt Glass Studio. A passionate maker and teacher, she is a familiar face at markets across Alberta and thrives on helping students discover their creativity—especially those “I made that!” moments.
“Molten glass and metal satisfy my soul.” Brenda King
Kiumars Kamalinia
Ceramics
A sculptor, ceramic artist, and hand-building instructor with over 30 years of experience in the visual arts. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, he combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression. Through his teaching, he inspires students to explore the creative possibilities of clay while building confidence and technical skills. His work celebrates the beauty of handmade ceramics, sculpture, and the timeless connection between art and craftsmanship.
Hayley Lutz
Ceramics
Hayley Lutz is a Calgary-based ceramic artist and creator of Haylmade Ceramics. Her playful, functional work is inspired by colour, texture, and nostalgia. A tech professional by day, she teaches in a relaxed, welcoming style, encouraging beginners to experiment, build confidence, and embrace perfectly imperfect results.
Sowgand Nabipour
Ceramics
A university graduate & ceramic artist whose work celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the expressive nature of clay. With a passion for functional ceramics and sculptural forms, she creates warm, inviting pieces that reflect both artistry and everyday beauty. She encourages students of all skill levels to explore their creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment, making the joy of working with clay accessible to everyone.
Connie Pike
Ceramics (Workshops)
Connie Pike is a ceramic artist with over 50 years of experience, based at Pike Studio in High River, Alberta. She creates functional work—dinnerware, teapots, and mugs—enhanced by expressive textures and glaze experimentation. We are proud to have her as part of The Fig community.
Kathryn Pryce
Painter / Printmaker
Kathryn is an Okotoks based professional artist with 20 years of teaching experience and a lifetime love of all things art. She enjoys sharing her passion for printmaking, and helping others find their creative voice.
@prycekathryn
Christine Walker
Painting / Print Making
With over 35 years of experience, Christine Walker creates bold, expressive paintings inspired by the prairies. A self-taught artist, her work is recognized for its vibrant colour, dynamic movement, and intuitive layering.
As an instructor, she fosters a supportive space where students can explore creativity through colour, texture, and emotion.
Jacqueline Breault Spiess
Painting
Inspired by the natural world, Jacqueline has been painting for over two decades. Relocating from Vancouver Island to Okotoks, she has continued her dedicated studio practice and exhibits regularly. Her work has been featured at the Okotoks Art Gallery and Leighton Arts Centre. Committed to ongoing growth, she completed a portraiture rotation at the Florence Classical Arts Academy.
Dale Ward
Ceramics
What started as a happy accident after a friend’s wheel found its way into her garage, pottery is now a central part of Dale’s life. Finding calm, focus and dedication to her practice, ceramics have grown into a small business and now teaching.
Pottery by Dé, a sweet inspiration by a close friend’s young child, is her signature.
“Pottery has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey — a place where I feel grounded, curious, messy, expressive, and fully myself.” Dale