Our Incredible Instructors

Bobbert PB

Robert Apholz

I am from Florida and Upstate NY. I have been an artist for over 30 years. I started doing pottery in Tampa at a city rec center very much like The Arts Center of Clemson. From there, I have taken numerous workshops at these schools of craft: Penland in North Carolina, Arrowmont in Tennessee, and Haystack in Maine. I also apprenticed under Harry Hearne in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I specialize in clay vessels with turned wooden lids and finials. I have been teaching at the Arts Center for about 5 years. I have my own studio and post pictures of most of my work on Facebook. In my spare time, other than clay and wood, I ride one of my bikes, practice Bonsai, photography, make pens, and play with my two dogs.

Elaine

Elaine Bailey

I grew up in Atlanta, but have been in Anderson for over 40 years. I began working with fiber 20 years ago, mostly rug hooking. Five years ago, I started felting. When I retired from a career in child welfare work, I watched lots of YouTube videos, took online courses, and taught myself about the fiber arts. I am a fiber artist and felter, working primarily with wool, using both needle and wet felting techniques. In my home studio, I just completed a great online course for  making sculpted felt figures. In my spare time, I love grandparenting, swimming in the lake and practicing Tai Chi.

Beth Carter

Beth Carter

Drawn to handcrafted items early on, Beth values attention to detail and the unique expression of an artist’s voice. She stared her metalsmith journey as a creative outlet outside of her fast-paced professional world. Beth honed her skills with workshops at Penland School of Craft, Arrowmont School of Arts and Craft, John C. Campbell Folk School, Molly Sharp Jewelry School, and working with a master goldsmith in Florence, Italy. Her work in sterling silver, gold and copper is frequently embellished with pebbles picked up from her travels to the beaches of North Carolina, Italy, and Lake Superior. Beth’s work is sold at regional and local shows and at the Art Gallery on Pendleton Square. She also has a passion for teaching, introducing students to the joy of working with metal to create jewelry they are proud to wear.
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Emily Freelin

I’ve been in South Carolina for most of my life, and chose to concentrate in the arts when I was 15. I attended The Governor’s School for the Arts as a young student, and have been hooked on clay ever since. I received my undergraduate degree from South Carolina School of the Arts- clay has now been a love of my life for 15 years. I have been part of TAC for 6 years, but I took a long break with the birth of my son. I am happy to be back in a studio that I love, and hope to create lovely new pieces with your kiddos! I sell my work at sugarduststudio.com
Lauren

Lauren Ginn

I am a South Carolina girl, originally from Sunset, but currently reside in Powdersville. I have considered myself an artist since I was a child, but professionally since 2008. I graduated from Anderson University and focus my talents in ceramics and painting.  I am a full-time art teacher at Pickens High School, and for the last 5 years I have also been teaching various classes at the Arts Center. In my spare time I like to spend it with my husband and our animals. We have 10 acres with a small farm. We love our animals! When I am not with them I like to paint and read. We are expecting our first child, a little girl Alysse, at the end of August!

Lindsey

Lindsey Groomes

Lindsey has been a practicing artist for over two decades. Her favorite medium is printmaking but is also an avid painter and paper artist. She has studied at The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Ringling School of Art and Design, Lander University, and Clemson University. Her style is considered realism with a touch of abstraction. In her spare time she enjoys reading, watching old films, Clemson Football, and spending time with her awesome niece and nephew.
Ginger

Dr. Ginger Hicks

I have taught all levels of art at Pickens High School for over 20 years. I got my bachelor's degree in Art Education from the University of South Carolina, my master's in Arts in the Curriculum from Lesley University in Boston, MA, and my doctorate in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, FL. I adore painting landscapes and portraits in oil or acrylic, and I enjoy creating pastel portraits. One of my favorite media is printmaking, especially making monotypes and doing dry point etching.

Krissi

Krissi Williams

I grew up just over the lake in Seneca. I've drawn and painted as long as I can remember.   I was that kid who was always making things.  In elementary school, I remember checking out books in the library about John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer and trying to copy their styles in my own paintings. I took art lessons from local painter Ginger Sebeck for many years.  I also had the opportunity to attend the SC Governor's School for the Arts in high school.  I earned my degree in Art Education at Winthrop University and learned so much from the amazing studio art instructors. I love to paint in acrylics and watercolor but am up to try almost any medium. Lately I've been trying out kintsugi. I've taught at the art center on and off since 2016. When I am not teaching in some way I love to spend time with my family and two small dachshund mixes, exercise on an elliptical at the Clemson Central Rec Center, or make something creative.

Jenna Profile

Jenna Yeager
Hi, I’m Jenna Yeager. I’m originally from Indiana and have been living in SC for six years. I am a painter, sculptor, potter, musician, and songwriter. I have been working with the Arts Center for about a year, teaching youth and adult clay. Outside of TAC, I work for a church as the Music and Communications Director. I love being creative, in many different ways, and enjoy helping people tap into their creative side. If I’m not creating I’m either outside enjoying nature or watching a good show. 

Catherine profile

Catherine Gurri

Catherine Gurri is a digital artist living in Seneca, South Carolina. Though originally from Florida, she feels a much deeper connection to the hills, waterfalls and changing seasons of this part of the world. She has formally studied both painting and graphic design, and also has professional experience as a portrait photographer. Whether working digitally or with tangible materials, her art reflects a deep love of layers, textures, and repurposed images.  She has been involved with the arts center for ten years, teaching both adults and children a wide variety of classes including, painting, drawing, photography, photo editing, and mixed media.  She loves to challenge her students of all ages to consider the larger contexts behind the work they are creating, while at the same time, encouraging them to find their own style and perspective. She especially loves a class that makes a huge, glorious mess.

 

Joan Head Shot