Pottery and Ceramic Arts Studio

• Pottery Instructor

John is a certified instructor of art for Pre K – Junior College. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Art and a Master of Art Education from the University of Montevallo. Both degrees allowed for the development and mastery of three primary disciplines: Ceramics, Photography/New Media and Oil Painting. In
addition to his academic career John has accrued nearly 7 years of work experience in the field through various marketing and promotional companies and has had work featured in publications both in Alabama and nationally. In the classroom John aims to create an environment that is not only laid back
and relaxed but also challenging, both creatively and personally, in the hope that each student gains a better understanding of their artistic capabilities as well as how themselves as individuals and artists can influence their work.

Nelson earned a BFA and an M.Ed from the University of Montevallo and has recently retired from teaching art at Hoover High School. His professional career as a sculptor compliments his role as a teacher. Through hard work and his love for art, Nelson’s sculptures have continued to evolve and grow with each passing group of students. He sees the students as an inspiration. “Teenagers live in an imaginary world,” he says, “and it’s that imagination that inspires me”. Nelson is known for his whimsical and entertaining animal sculptures and paintings. He has had multiple corporate and museum purchases. In 2021 Nelson debuted his sculpture, County Seat,  in the Old Mill Square park in Columbiana, AL. The piece was cast in the foundry of the Shelby County Arts Center and features a mill stone that was unearthed during the site prep while constructing the Arts Center. Nelson now teaches classes and workshops for the SCAC while working on commissions in his home studio. 

Nita Terrell is a graduate of the University of Montevallo where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) degree. She currently resides in Alabaster, Alabama, with her husband David and son Eli.

Nita started working again in ceramics in 2009.  She finds joy in creating functional pieces that become a part of someone’s everyday-life or special occasion’s pieces. Much of her work is created by incorporating and combining both wheel-thrown and hand-building components to create subtle but basic design.  All of her unique ceramic pieces are food-safe, lead free, microwave and dishwasher safe, yet maintain her signature designs that have simplistic yet elegant lines.  She started teaching ceramics in 2012 to children and adults, and today continues to share her enthusiasm and knowledge of ceramics. Through teaching these classes she has evolved as an artist and is constantly changing and improving her ceramic process.

Candye Lundy is a beginning hand-building pottery instructor for the SCAC.  She specializes in creating large serving vessels and functional pottery pieces.  Under Candye’s guidance you will learn the basics of utilizing clay to create functional art. Candye lives with her husband, Don, at the tranquil Horsefeathers Farm.  She has a background in interior design.