PATRIK KUSEK - FEATURED ARTIST AT MCAS 2025
Patrik’s experience in the worlds of design and fashion helped shape his creative vision and brand. He is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and The Academy of Art University. He worked as a Fashion Stylist at Macy’s San Francisco and was the owner and Creative Director of Wallop Design Group, a graphic design and branding company. He currently is able to pursue his passion as a jewelry artist and instructor. He teaches metal clay workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area and internationally. Patrik is a member of the PMC Guild and is both PMC Guild Certified and Art Clay Certified. He was one of 9 senior instructors for Rio Grande and that taught PMC certification workshops internationally. He was a featured artist on HGTV’s “That’s Clever.” Patrik’s work has been published in numerous books and publications. He is also the recipient of the 2007 Saul Bell Award 1st place and 2016 2nd place in PMC. Patrik has also recently been featured in Ornament Magazine.

BRANDY BOYD

​Brandy has a 20+ year career in tech, but considers herself an artist, teacher, and publisher, with a focus on metal clay and related metalsmithing techniques. She's been a passionate student of metal clay since 1999 and began teaching through local community center and adult education programs in 2006. Since then, she's opened her own metals studio in Bartlett, TN, and has taught at schools and conferences around the United States. In 2018, she took over editing and publishing Metal Clay Today and strives to share the artistic and technical wonder that is metal clay with as many people as possible.

STEPHANIE CHAVEZ
Stephanie Chavez is a certified metal clay artist and instructor with over 15 years of experience in the field. Although she is proficient in various jewelry-making techniques, her true passion and expertise lie in metal clay. Stephanie offers classes online, in her home studio in South Jordan, UT, and at various expos and studios across the United States and internationally. Whether working with beginners or advanced students, Stephanie believes that everyone has the potential to be a creative artist. She provides a safe and enjoyable environment for exploring artistic boundaries, bringing joy and inspiration to all who attend her workshops.

MARIANNE DONOHOE

Marianne is an artist and Art Clay senior instructor based in Wiltshire, UK and teaches mainly from her garden studio. Originally trained as a graphic designer, she worked in IT doing computer aided design. She has an HNC in Scientific & Technical Illustration and works predominantly in watercolours and acrylics. After finding metal clay several years ago, she has gone on to do various diplomas and has been teaching since 2016. She achieved her Higher Diploma in Art Clay and is a certified teacher of both Art Clay and PMC. She has had several pieces awarded Certificates of Merit in the AMCAW challenges and has been included in a number of the AMCAW calendars. One of her tutorials is in the Creatures and Critters Tutorial Collection on AMCAW. Marianne has taught at MCAS in North Carolina, USA.​

PAM EAST
Art Clay Master Instructor, Pam East is an internationally known artist, writer and teacher. Her work and instructional articles have appeared in Art Jewelry Magazine, Metal Clay Artist Magazine, and many others. Her book “Enameling on Metal Clay” is considered the definitive resource for enameling on silver clay. She released two comprehensive instructional DVDs in 2014. Pam has been an invited speaker, giving classes and lectures at the Enamelist Society Biennial Conference, the Metal Clay World Conference, SINTER, The Metal Clay Artist Symposium, and the Pan-European Metal Clay Festival. She has appeared on the highly acclaimed Carol Duvall Show and other jewelry making television programs.

PAMELA FEINDEL
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

 Instructional Endeavors: I produced 2 Craftcast workshops, and 2 AMCAW tutorials. I presented at SINTER22, Mixed Metal Clay and SINTER24, Hollow Forms Revealed. I continue to teach students of varying levels in my studios in Halifax and Lunenburg Nova Scotia. I sell my work at local craft fairs, markets, art galleries and stores. I participate in AMCAW’s challenges and have had my pieces published in two of AMCAW’s calendars. I am juried into the Metal Arts Guild of NS and Craft NS.

2010 - 2014 – Owned and managed a bead store, “Halifax Bead and Metal Clay.”  I am an AMCAW board member and have served since its inception in 2018. I currently hold the position of President, previously I was Secretary. I was the team lead for AMCAW’s successful inaugural conference SINTER22 along with many other relevant volunteer positions.

Accreditations include: Dec 2019 - Camp PMC 101; Jan 2014 - Hadar Jacobson Accredited Instructor; Dec 2011 - Senior Art Clay Instructor Dec 2010 - Art Clay Level 1 Instructor

 Additional workshops: I have taken dozens of workshops with world renowned metal clay artist over the past 15 years, including Holly Gage, Anna Mazon, Terry Kovalcik, Jacki Truty, Li-sel Crowley, Hadar Jacobson, Pam East, Carrie Story, Cindy Pope, Micheal Marx to name a few and have many Craftcast tutorials.

CATHY FLESHER
Cathy Flesher is the Director for the worldwide Camp Metal Clay Certification Program, a certified Principal Instructor, and national teaching artist specializing in the use of metal clay, metalsmithing, enamel, glass and jewelry design. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

HOLLY GAGE

Holly Gage of Gage Designs is a 2015 Saul Bell Design winner recognized for distinction in jewelry design. She creates contemporary jewelry and teaches her unique techniques with a gentle blend of design instruction and technical proficiency. Holly brings her innovation, creativity, and gift of helping others find their artistic voice through classes, mentoring programs, master workshops, and retreats. Classes are available live Online, at her PA studio, throughout the US, and abroad. She is a full-time jewelry artist, Certified Metal Clay Instructor, author, and conference speaker. In addition, Holly holds a BS in Fine Art and Education. Her jewelry and articles on techniques and design can be found in over 75 regional and national publications including the Best of America Jewelry Artists; Named 3rd in Handmade Business: Top 12 Makers, Movers, and Shakers; Metal Clay Today; Making Jewellery: among others. You can find more information about Holly’s jewelry, classes, and awards, along with numerous Metal Clay tips, tutorials, and blog on her web site at http://www.HollyGage.com

AJ NEWELL
Hi there! I’m AJ Newell, and I’ve been a metalsmith for 15 years. Along the way, I’ve also become an enamelist and metal clay artist. Since 2018, I’ve been sharing my passion for these art forms by teaching workshops both in my own studio and as a guest instructor at other artists' studios. I love helping others discover the joys of creating with metal clay, whether they’re just starting out or looking to refine their skills. I hail from Virginia and my family roots stretch back to Ireland and Wales. My upbringing was a rich tapestry woven with fairy tales, mythology, good horror novels, and a generous serving of art history. I’m fueled by my daydreams, the melodies of music, and an insatiable curiosity to dissect and understand the inner workings of things. All these influences find their way into my sculptures and jewelry designs.

CYNTHIA QUESENBERRY

I am a graduate level trained Art Teacher and have taught Art in public and private schools. I majored in metals and fibers in Art School at Old Dominion University and I hold a State teaching license valid until 2032. I became interested in precious metal clay in 2011. I took a class with Terry Kovolcik for certification under the Rio Grande Rewards Program and began teaching classes in my hometown Art League in 2012. I continued my study with Pam East and became certified as a Level One Instructor, and following that I studied with Barbara Hance to earn my Senior Certifying Instructor certification in 2017 with Art Clay World. I have been steadily teaching workshops for beginners and experienced students since 2012, I never get tired of it. I have continued my education with the best metal clay instructors I can find in the United States. I have actively attended the MCAS Conferences since 2018. I am an active Instructor member of AMCAW since the beginning of the AMCAW organization. I am actively teaching and promoting the Art of Precious Metal Clay. I have branched out to four locations where I teach classes monthly: Suffolk Art League, Suffolk, VA, Bay Community Arts School, Matthews, VA, Rawls Museum Arts, Courtland, VA and the Suffolk Cultural Arts Center, Suffolk, VA. I am currently teaching up to 15 classes a year, sometimes more. My workshops start at 10:00 am and end at 4:00 pm. All aspects of the metal clay experience are covered starting with basic instruction, review of materials, deciding on a project, construction, finishing techniques, making repairs, patinas, and jewelry construction. My goal is for all of my students after working in my class at the end of the day to be proud to wear their completed project home. In addition to teaching, I am also exhibiting my work in local exhibitions at the Suffolk Art League and the Suffolk Cultural Arts Center.

GRAINNE REYNOLDS
Grainne has been a metal clay artist and tutor for 10 years. She is passionate about metal clay and loves nothing more than sharing her skills and teaching others. Grainne originally trained as a psychiatric nurse but felt the need to improve her work life balance and follow a more creative path. Grainne has a diploma in Silver Clay which has enabled her to teach a wide variety of silver clay workshops. Working from a little studio in her garden she plans and creates new jewellery collections and develops new workshops. She specializes in silver clay and offers a wide variety of classes in this wonderful medium. Grainne teaches at various venues throughout the UK and Europe. This includes teaching at the Arts university Bournemouth and also at silver clay retreat in rural hills of Andalusia in Spain. Grainne has also taught at several metal clay conferences such as ‘You can Make It’ and ‘Sinter’ Teaching style: Grainne teaching style is clear and concise. Information and processes are broken down into simple easy to understand steps. Each stage is demonstrated before students are encouraged to give it a go themselves. Inspiration Grainne’s work is often influenced by the wildlife, countryside and coastline where she lives in beautiful Dorset on the south coast of the UK. Social Media https://www.facebook.com/TimestoTreasure.co.uk Instagram @timetotreasure

CARRIE STORY

Carrie Story, a name synonymous with innovation in the world of metal clay, has revolutionized the industry with her creative prowess and technical expertise. As the visionary behind Clay Revolution, she has earned a stellar reputation for crafting exquisite, Five Star base metal clays and the coveted Five Star Project X silver clays.

    Carrie's journey into the world of jewelry-making and metal clay artistry began in 2008, marking the genesis of her remarkable career. Over the years, she has become a prominent figure in the international metal clay community, and her influence extends far beyond the workshop.

    One of Carrie's most notable achievements is her role as an esteemed instructor who imparts her knowledge and passion for metal clay worldwide. Her teaching style is a testament to her vibrant personality, characterized by a delightful blend of fun and energy. Carrie's classes are not just about creating beautiful jewelry but also delve into the intricate technical details of working with metal clay.

    A true luminary in the industry, Carrie Story is a regular fixture at the prestigious Tucson Gem Show every year. Her booth at this renowned event has become a must-visit destination for those seeking the latest innovations in metal clay and a chance to learn from a true master.

    When it comes to her own jewelry creations, Carrie's style is a reflection of her unique personality and influences. Her pieces exude an organic and effortlessly cool vibe, drawing inspiration from the alternative lifestyle of the 90s. Each creation tells a story and evokes a sense of nostalgia and rebellion, making them truly exceptional.

    Beyond her role as an artist and instructor, Carrie Story is also the visionary director of the Camp MC Certification Program. This program, under her guidance, has become a coveted credential for aspiring metal clay artists, solidifying her commitment to the growth and development of the metal clay community.

    Carrie Story's motto, "Liberating Your Creativity," is more than just a tagline; it's a testament to her dedication to pushing boundaries, breaking molds, and inspiring artists of all ages to explore the limitless possibilities of metal clay. With her exciting and edgy approach to the craft, Carrie is not just an artist; she's a trailblazer, a mentor, and an icon in the world of metal clay.

KIM STRUVE

Forgetive Master Metal Bender and Senior Certifying Metal Clay Instructor Kim Struve of San Antonio, Texas, chooses industry leaders’ hands-on courses to accelerate her competencies. She has provided metal clay education to adults and children in large [70+] and small groups since 2011. Struve has great student rapport, as one opined, “Kim is an amazing artist with a big heart and open mind; ready to learn from every class she teaches.” Love, math and nature influence her designs, and passion demands she share the FUNctional, unique and novel through demonstrations, presentations, lessons, courses, and inventions. Her work has been exhibited internationally, published in Metal Clay Today, printed in the MCAS guide, graced April in the calendar of Exceptional Work, and the Struve Fold Lock techniques won the first AMCAW Innovation Award; others to follow.  Her special methods resulted from a determination to create strong joinery, components, jewelry and art with no tools, no waste and no mess using foldableSILVER -an innovative fine silver form. Kim seized the opportunity to grant the public easy entry to the luxurious world of fine jewelry design and creation by developing Metal LeatherTM Kits. These fine silver trading card kits fit in your wallet, have simple video instructions, start under $5, and can fly -TSA approves!

KAREN TREXLER
I have studied art academically, and received a BFA from Ball State University and Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in metalsmithing and enameling from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. After graduating with my MFA, I shifted my making emphasis from traditional metalsmithing to working with metal clay, falling in love with the accessibility and diverse possibilities of projects possible resulting from the flexibility of the material. I was hired as Cool Tools’ resident artist and regularly practice instructing others in making through the youtube videos Cool Tools produces. I have experience teaching in person and have led workshops at MCAS in 2023, and at AMCAW's Sinter Conference, where I also presented, in 2022. I've been honored to serve as a Juror of AMCAW’s Opposites and Contrasts artist challenge in 2023, and serve as an expert for consultation for AMCAW’s challenge winners since 2019.