Meet Our Teaching Artists

Bess French is a Vermont-based artist and art educator whose creative practice spans sculpture, encaustic, ceramics, glass, and mixed media. Her work, inspired by the natural world, found objects, memory, and a sense of place, has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

As both a practicing artist and  experienced educator, Bess lov

Bess French is a Vermont-based artist and art educator whose creative practice spans sculpture, encaustic, ceramics, glass, and mixed media. Her work, inspired by the natural world, found objects, memory, and a sense of place, has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

As both a practicing artist and  experienced educator, Bess loves sharing new materials and techniques in an encouraging environment that makes creativity accessible to everyone. She holds a BA in Studio Art from the University of New Hampshire and an M.Ed. from Antioch University and is a Certified Encaustic Instructor with R&F

Handmade Paints. With additional training in mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and a 200-hour yoga teacher certification, Bess brings a thoughtful, process-centered approach to teaching that encourages experimentation, curiosity, and creative discovery.

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. 

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. 

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’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 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 (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 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.

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.