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Create Together at Fletcher Farm 611 Route 103 S, Ludlow, VT 802.228.8770
Meet our teaching artists
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Susan Damone Balch
Susan Damone Balch
Susan Damone Balch
Susan has been telling stories with fabric since childhood, when she first fell in love with
needle arts. That passion has grown into almost 50 years of quilting, creating pieces that celebrate the beauty, movement, and colors of the natural world.
Fly fishing and quilting—her two lifelong passions—come together in her signature fish quilt
Susan has been telling stories with fabric since childhood, when she first fell in love with
needle arts. That passion has grown into almost 50 years of quilting, creating pieces that celebrate the beauty, movement, and colors of the natural world.
Fly fishing and quilting—her two lifelong passions—come together in her signature fish quilts, while her recent work explores a freer, more intuitive approach guided by fabric and color.
What brings Susan the greatest joy, however, is sharing what she has learned. She believes that creativity belongs to everyone, regardless of experience, and loves helping others discover the confidence to create. She finds deep satisfaction in encouraging others to explore, experiment, and tell their own stories through cloth.
Nora Boyle
Susan Damone Balch
Susan Damone Balch
Nora, the #LadyBookWitch, is a local ceramicist who regularly teaches Beginner’s Wheel, sharing the meditative craft of shaping clay with her students. She also shares her love of bookbinding, leading workshops in both Japanese Stab and Coptic Stitch techniques.
When she isn't at the studio, Nora is a poet, bookbinder, and the founder of
Nora, the #LadyBookWitch, is a local ceramicist who regularly teaches Beginner’s Wheel, sharing the meditative craft of shaping clay with her students. She also shares her love of bookbinding, leading workshops in both Japanese Stab and Coptic Stitch techniques.
When she isn't at the studio, Nora is a poet, bookbinder, and the founder of Lady Book Witch Press. A self-described "coffee-by-the-cauldron" enthusiast and beekeeper, she finds her creative sweet spot at the intersection of literary symbolism and physical form. Her poetry has been widely featured in publications such as Folklore for Resistance, Capsule Stories, and Folktales Literary Journal.
Karen Bruyn
Susan Damone Balch
Karen Bruyn
Karen has been sewing as a hobby, since she was an early teen under the guidance of her mother. Early projects included many clothing and home dec projects. She began machine quilting when her mother opened a quilt shop in the early 1980s. Her bed-size and wall-size quilts have been exhibited in local shows, several winning “viewers cho
Karen has been sewing as a hobby, since she was an early teen under the guidance of her mother. Early projects included many clothing and home dec projects. She began machine quilting when her mother opened a quilt shop in the early 1980s. Her bed-size and wall-size quilts have been exhibited in local shows, several winning “viewers choice” awards. Since retiring from her accounting career in 2016, she enjoys playing with fabric, sharing projects and learning new techniques with fellow quilters and sewists.
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John Cassin
Karen Bruyn
John’s sculpting journey began in 7th grade with a clay hippo, an award winning bust of a fellow student, and the encouragement from his teacher, Mr. Budd. He later studied at the Art Institute of Boston and worked diverse jobs—from oyster shucking to counseling, though his commitment to his art never wavered. John lives locally, where he
John’s sculpting journey began in 7th grade with a clay hippo, an award winning bust of a fellow student, and the encouragement from his teacher, Mr. Budd. He later studied at the Art Institute of Boston and worked diverse jobs—from oyster shucking to counseling, though his commitment to his art never wavered. John lives locally, where he carves natural Vermont stone and the timber of fallen trees, and keeping to his roots - clay - primitive, earthy, satisfying, and real.
Meg Kupiac
Largely a self-taught basket weaver, Meg was greatly influenced by the Shakers. Shaker basket are beautiful as well as functional. With their clean lines and sturdy construction, they are a joy to weave. Meg has taught classes since the early 1990s to groups of all ages in many different venues, including Road Scholar programs at Pilgrim
Largely a self-taught basket weaver, Meg was greatly influenced by the Shakers. Shaker basket are beautiful as well as functional. With their clean lines and sturdy construction, they are a joy to weave. Meg has taught classes since the early 1990s to groups of all ages in many different venues, including Road Scholar programs at Pilgrim Pines, Keene Community Education, and CALL at Keene State College. A member of the Northeast Basket Makers Guild she has taken and taught classes at their Annual Gatherings. She is also a member of the National Basketry Organization. Meg regularly teaches at a local charter school bringing the craft to 9 th and 10 th graders as part of their handwork program. Meg also enjoys demonstrating in the NH Building at the Big E each year for the NH Dept. of Agriculture. She loves to see every student’s progress as they turn raw materials into a useful and decorative part of their home and leave with a new found skill and the confidence to tackle the next project. Meg brings experience, patience and a sense of humor to all her classes!
Linda K. Evans
Linda Kiracofe Evans is a design artist, making her home and studio in the Historic
Kingsley Grist Mill of East Clarendon, VT. With undergraduate concentration in both art education and printmaking, and graduate studies in studio art and design, Linda has had the opportunity to work with such notables as artists Clas Oldenberg, David Flaha
Linda Kiracofe Evans is a design artist, making her home and studio in the Historic
Kingsley Grist Mill of East Clarendon, VT. With undergraduate concentration in both art education and printmaking, and graduate studies in studio art and design, Linda has had the opportunity to work with such notables as artists Clas Oldenberg, David Flaharty, and Anna Held Audette.
Linda is the creator of the Cloisonné colored pencil technique. By layering colors and
trapping them in fine outline, she weaves them among the wonders of both.
A deep love of the Greyhound dog is a more recent focus in her work, bringing Linda
recognition as the nation's foremost Greyhound Design Artist.
123/2015 - A national and personal record for original and fine art 2D sales of greyhound specific works at a single in person event: Greyhounds in Gettysburg, April 2015 - One hundred twenty three pieces sold by a “starving” artist at a two day event.
Through 40 years of preservation with husband Ron, the Kingsley Grist Mill National
Historic Site has been showcased in numerous publications and media outlets
including; HGTV's "You Live in What", The Netflix travel series, “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, Season 2, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Vermont Magazine, Fine Home Builders, Architectural Digest, Taunton's Deck and Patio Idea Book, and The Today Show.
Through 40 years of preservation with husband Ron, the Kingsley Grist Mill National
Historic Site has been showcased in numerous publications and media outlets
including; HGTV's "You Live in What", The Netflix travel series, “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, Season 2, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Vermont Magazine, Fine Home Builders, Architectural Digest, Taunton's Deck and Patio Idea Book, and The Today Show.
Linda and husband Ron’s love of the greyhound continues today with the
international rescue and adoption of Sid the Kid, their energetic and enigmatic greyhound/whippet from the Asian meat trade in 2019 and more recently a rare rough
coat whippet puppy from the same source in 2026.
Mary Giammarino
Mary Giammarino
Mary Giammarino
Mary’s devotion to light and color is evident in all of her paintings. While her work is influenced by the impressionist palette of the Cape School of Art, her work is less idealized and more contemporary by design. Mary’s plein-air paintings reflect her passion and devotion to capturing the exquisite drama of nature’s fleeting moods.
Mar
Mary’s devotion to light and color is evident in all of her paintings. While her work is influenced by the impressionist palette of the Cape School of Art, her work is less idealized and more contemporary by design. Mary’s plein-air paintings reflect her passion and devotion to capturing the exquisite drama of nature’s fleeting moods.
Mary has been returning to Provincetown to paint and study the Cape light every spring since 1989. She has had numerous solo shows and exhibitions in Provincetown, Philadelphia and Vermont. Her work is in private collections and museums as well as all over Europe. Mary makes her home in Vermont where she lives with her husband, the sculptor John Cassin, their two dogs, Doug and Smokey.
Mary studied fine art at Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts and continued her art studies with a scholarship at the University of Massachusetts. Being drawn to plein-air painting, Mary sought out the Cape School of Art in Provincetown on Cape Cod. She studied with Hilda Neily, John Ebersberger and Cedric and Joanette Egeli. Today, Mary carries on the tradition by teaching plein-air painting classes on the Cape, in Vermont and on trips to Europe.
Dawn Leone
Mary Giammarino
Mary Giammarino
Dawn Leone is a classically trained contemporary artist and certified visual arts educator. Her practice explores the natural world through a dynamic blend of expressive painting and experimental printmaking techniques.
Dawn’s work has been recognized with multiple awards and has been exhibited nationally across the United States as well as internationally throughout Europe.
Tracy McKee
Mary Giammarino
Tracy McKee believes the meditative nature of making art is just what we need these days. She is a local painter who works with mixed media materials. She has shown her work throughout New England and has pieces in private collections in both the U.S. and Canada.
Most recently, she completed The Enso Circle, a three-month, international
Tracy McKee believes the meditative nature of making art is just what we need these days. She is a local painter who works with mixed media materials. She has shown her work throughout New England and has pieces in private collections in both the U.S. and Canada.
Most recently, she completed The Enso Circle, a three-month, international invitational residency and continues to participate as a Continuing Resident.
Laurie Marechaux
Creative spirit fueled by art and craft. Jewelry designer, silversmith, and lifelong sewist passionate about turning ideas into wearable and functional art. Dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring creativity across all mediums.
As we say in our family “it’s the X factor” I come from the most creative artistic family
and background. For
Creative spirit fueled by art and craft. Jewelry designer, silversmith, and lifelong sewist passionate about turning ideas into wearable and functional art. Dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring creativity across all mediums.
As we say in our family “it’s the X factor” I come from the most creative artistic family
and background. For me boredom never happens because CREATIVITY overpowers it
and can over power the TO DO LIST!
Studied Silversmithing in High School at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts in 1972 with May Griswold, master silversmith. This became my first career.
Beyond Jewelry: I am a SEWciopath at heart. Sewing began for me at 5 years old and has
been my passion. From garments to Skiwear, Purses, Hats, ROPE BOWLS and so much
more. I am happiest at my machines!
My goal is to share my knowledge and enthusiasm of all media I work with.
Wayne Miller
Becky Plunkard
Wayne’s woodcarving journey began over 50 years ago as a Boy Scout. Today, he is a member of the National Woodcarvers Association and has been featured in Chip Chats magazine. A seasoned instructor and demonstrator at the Eastern States Exposition, Wayne specializes in the Scandinavian flat-plane carving style. He has honed this minimalis
Wayne’s woodcarving journey began over 50 years ago as a Boy Scout. Today, he is a member of the National Woodcarvers Association and has been featured in Chip Chats magazine. A seasoned instructor and demonstrator at the Eastern States Exposition, Wayne specializes in the Scandinavian flat-plane carving style. He has honed this minimalist approach by studying with many of the nation's most recognized master carvers, including Pete LeClair, Chris Howard, and Dave Sabol.
Becky Plunkard
Becky Plunkard
Becky is a Cavendish-based teaching artist of over 40 years with three decades of experience in the local school district doing after-school art programs. Her passion for color and design began in her parents’ fabric stores, evolving into a lifelong love for creating across diverse mediums. Becky combines her background in education with
Becky is a Cavendish-based teaching artist of over 40 years with three decades of experience in the local school district doing after-school art programs. Her passion for color and design began in her parents’ fabric stores, evolving into a lifelong love for creating across diverse mediums. Becky combines her background in education with a creative practice. When she isn't inspiring students, she enjoys time with her two children and four grandchildren.
Cleopatra Redbird
Cleopatra Redbird (they/them) is a queer artist born to rural Vermont. As a printmaker, illustrator, and textile fabricator, they utilize a combination of traditional printmaking techniques, illustration, and textiles to create artwork inspired by nature. Working out of their home studio in Chester VT, Cleopatra is constantly inspired by
Cleopatra Redbird (they/them) is a queer artist born to rural Vermont. As a printmaker, illustrator, and textile fabricator, they utilize a combination of traditional printmaking techniques, illustration, and textiles to create artwork inspired by nature. Working out of their home studio in Chester VT, Cleopatra is constantly inspired by the flora and fauna of the Green Mountains. They have been the director of an arts and community nonprofit, SafeArt, in central VT since 2019. Cleopatra is a caregiver who utilizes the arts to foster strength in communities.
Pollyanna Sidell
Pollyanna is a lively teacher who is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge. She has been sewing her own clothing since she was 10 years old. Her career was in marketing. After receiving a Master’s degree in Creative Arts in Learning, she changed gears to teach middle school for 14 years using the arts to engage learning in t
Pollyanna is a lively teacher who is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge. She has been sewing her own clothing since she was 10 years old. Her career was in marketing. After receiving a Master’s degree in Creative Arts in Learning, she changed gears to teach middle school for 14 years using the arts to engage learning in the classroom and raising her two wonderful children. Pollyanna returned to marketing for 7 more years where she developed digital content and media plans before retiring. Coming full circle, Pollyanna is back in a classroom spreading her passion for the arts in every weaving project she envisions.
Piper Strong
Lynn Zimmerman
Piper Strong is a highly regarded Vermont-based artisan and metal sculptor known for her one-of-a-kind, hand-cut, and brightly enameled creations. Using materials like steel and brass, her whimsical, folk-art-inspired pieces—ranging from menorahs to garden sculptures—are exhibited and collected across the United States
Lynn Zimmerman
Lynn Zimmerman
Lynn Zimmerman
Inspired by nature and known for her realistic style, Lynn brings joy and accessibility to her teaching. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a warm, welcoming environment. Lynn studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Rhode Island School of Design and is a signature member of the Vermont Watercolor Society. Wit
Inspired by nature and known for her realistic style, Lynn brings joy and accessibility to her teaching. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a warm, welcoming environment. Lynn studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Rhode Island School of Design and is a signature member of the Vermont Watercolor Society. With 30 years of experience as a graphic designer, photo stylist, illustrator, artist, and educator, she brings artistic knowledge and technical skill to her work.