• “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

    – Albert Einstein

  • "Scratch, Scratch, Dab, Dab, Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle!"

    – Heather Barr

  • “Skill is the shaping of attention.”

    – Inspired by Simone Weil's writings on attention

  • "Have a conversation with the clay."

    – Michelle Crane

Teaching Artists

  • Woman working on a pottery wheel in a pottery studio with shelves of supplies in the background.

    Heather Barr

    Hello! I’ve always found it tricky to put my work out there for the world to see—shining a spotlight on my life isn’t my thing. Much of my art is super personal, sometimes even a little private, which doesn’t exactly vibe with the social media scene. But you know what I’ve discovered? Pouring my energy into teaching and sharing what I’ve learned feels more me. It’s given me this incredible sense of connection and purpose I didn’t know I was craving.

    As a teacher, I’m all about gathering incredible resources and sharing what I've learned to inspire my students. It's not the kind of stuff you slap together, but real fuel for digging in, experimenting, and crafting something unique. That’s what drives me—helping other creators and educators see the creative process as more than just a hobby or a gig, but a whole way of living. I lean hard into research, history, and real-life experiences because they’re the roots of originality—those little nuggets that turn “what if” into “let’s try it.” For me, education is about building a space where curiosity thrives, mistakes are just pit stops, and everyone’s encouraged to make something that’s totally, unapologetically theirs.

    When you peek at my art and designs, you’ll catch that love for digging into history, soaking up experiences, and weaving it all together. Swing by hbarrdesigns.com to check it out!

  • Teaching Artist Kevin with his dog

    Kevin Bosley

    I’m Kevin, a potter and instructor based in Northern Colorado, with a deep love for functional pottery and a thoughtful, intentional studio practice. My work centers on simple, everyday forms—especially the bowl—where proportion, usability, and subtle variation create quiet beauty that lasts.

    I’m passionate about the essential connection between Art and Craft; I believe art without a strong foundation in craft has no real roots. In my classes, I focus on clear fundamentals and solid technique, helping students understand both the how and the why behind every step. We let the clay, the process, and how the piece will be used guide our choices—building real skill and confidence rather than chasing surface effects.

    I’ve called the Fort Collins area home for most of the past 25 years and live in Laporte with my menagerie of animals. When I’m not at the wheel, you’ll find me cooking, tending to the critters, or pondering how the things we make become part of daily life. I’m thrilled to join the welcoming community at A Potter’s Place and to support students as they discover (or rediscover) the joy of working with clay, grow their skills, and develop a lasting, meaningful relationship with this incredible material.

    Follow me on Instagram @bosleypots

  • Teaching Artist  Michelle

    Michelle Crane

    Hi ya! I’m Michelle Crane, one of the teachers here at A Potter’s Place. Clay and I go way back—it's been a patient, faithful friend through the years, always ready when I am, quietly waiting for the next conversation.

    My background in science and science education has always felt right at home with pottery's experimental side. Some of my favorite moments involve gathering local materials, refining clays, and testing glazes—there’s a deep satisfaction in coaxing something beautiful and useful from the earth itself. Working with clay often reveals gentle lessons about balance, patience, and listening; you might hear me encouraging a “gentle and firm” touch or reminding folks that we’re really just having a quiet dialogue with the material.

    These little insights have accumulated over time, shaping how I approach not just the wheel but life outside the studio. Now feels like the perfect moment to share them—to pass along what this lifelong companion has taught me in our warm, welcoming Fort Collins clay community. I’m truly delighted to be here and look forward to meeting you, working side by side, and seeing what emerges when we all listen to the clay together.

  • Close-up of hands shaping clay on a spinning pottery wheel in a pottery studio.

    Join the team

    I am actively seeking teachers & artists passionate about education to join the team and help me to provide diverse teaching experiences! Reach out!