Team

We teach, create, and keep the studio running—with clay at the center of it all.
Each of us brings our own path to the table, but we work with shared purpose.
This is a place for connection, exploration, and expression.

**Lejia Dongzhu**

Growing up in Tibet, I developed a deep connection to tradition, craft, and shared experience—values that continue to guide my passion with clay. I fell in love with clay as a student at West High and have been captivated ever since. We strive to create welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can explore clay, connect with others, and discover their creative voice.

Nicky ross

Studio Manager - she/her
(Monroe St and University Ave Studio)
Clay and I have been in love a long time. The texture soothes me and the craft of making brings an honest joy to my heart. Throw in a little pattern, a splash of color and I’m swooning. Throughout the 18 years that I’ve been a part of the Madison clay community I’ve been able to keep that love alive in various capacities. From designing and decorating for a local production company, to creating my own line of functional ware as a solo business gal, to teaching and running several community studios, I’ve seen all sides of ceramics. But mostly I’m so grateful for any chance to help others find their love of clay too.

SuSan Valko

Studio Manager - she/her
(Junction Rd Studio)

I joined Dongzhu Pottery Studios in 2021 when my family took a beginner's class and I immediately fell in love. Ever since, I can't get enough of playing with clay. To me, some of the best things about it are that I get to learn new things every day, I don't have to take it too seriously and that sometimes amazingly beautiful things come out of the kiln!
I'm originally from Hungary and have been living away for about 20 years now (first in Toronto, Canada then here, in Madison), I have a husband and 3 teenagers in my family and I'm also a gymnastics coach (at Madtown Twisters).
My role at the Junction Rd. studio is to ensure everyone is having a great experience.

**Amandalynn Jones**

Studio Manager - she/her
(Sun Prairie Studio)
My favorite part of creating art is collaborating and sharing with others.
I started teaching summer camp art classes when I was in high school and continued teaching and tutoring throughout college, where I studied studio arts. Since then I have primarily worked as a professional photographer for the last two decades. I discovered the joy of pottery as a new member at Dongzhu in 2021 and rapidly became obsessed with the process of working with clay.
I love sharing the possibilities of a lump of clay with my students, as well as the breakthroughs that often by way of patience and learning to let go and begin again.

Matt Zulke

Studio Manager - he/him
(Verona Studio)
In college, I discovered that working with my hands in three dimensional space came more naturally to me than drawing or painting . Sculpture opened my mind to the possibilities, and ceramics soon after became my favorite medium. I love the versatility of clay; how it can be worked and reworked, added to or subtracted from, and how easily it lends itself to taking the ideas in my mind and putting them into form and space. My work is often organic and botanically influenced, directly tied to my other passion, plants. I'm excited to be teaching and look forward to sharing my knowledge with everyone who comes to visit the studio!

**Lisa Froelich**

Studio Instructor / Outreach Coordinator - she/her
I started out as an art history major in college but that only lasted until I took my first ceramics class where I discovered I’d rather be making art than reading about it! My main focus ended up being sculpture. I took classes in wheel-thrown ceramics after college, and have finally gotten back to it in recent years now that my kids are older and more independent. I think of ceramics as being the epitome of functional art, where limitless creativity and self expression can enhance the simplest everyday object. I love combining sculptural elements with wheel-thrown shapes, and I am so excited to share my experience with budding potters...welcome to the journey!

Jeff Horstmann

Studio Instructor -***he/him***
Jeff is a full time stay at home dad to his two young daughters and their cat, Prince Charming. Over the last eight years he has worked with, and taught kiln formed glass and other glass art part time. Jeff had been introduced to ceramics in various classes in the past and felt an instant love of the process. He is excited to reconnect with the pottery wheel and use his teaching experience to share that passion with others.

Michelle Roberts

Studio Instructor ***- she/her/hers***
My experience working with clay began more than 30 yrs ago taking college classes, creating a working studio & selling functional pieces through art shows, galleries, and stores throughout the Midwest and eventually teaching in various studios in the Madison area. After taking several years off from making clay work, I am thrilled to be teaching again in a local studio.

**Clara Culligan**

Studio Instructor - ***she/her/hers***
I discovered my passion for ceramics three years ago in Chicago. In August 2022, I made the exciting move to Madison, eager to connect with fellow artists, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. I love blending wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to create interesting outcomes. As an instructor, I am thrilled to share my knowledge and passion for ceramics with you. There is something truly rewarding about guiding others through the creative process and witnessing their growth and transformation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, let's dive into the world of ceramics together and unleash our creativity!

Phil Lyons

Studio Guest/Instructor ***- he/him***
Phil received his B.F.A. from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, and his M.F.A. from the U.W. Madison. He's been teaching art at his alma mater, Madison West High for the past 17 years. In addition to working in clay, he paints murals, renovates houses and performs with several Madison area bands.

Atlas Weiss-Maier

Studio Instructor - he/they

I fell in love with pottery right here at Dongzhu. It’s quickly become a staple for my wellness. When you’re on the wheel, the clay feels whatever tension you’re holding in your body and you’ve got to tend to that. It’s a profound gift to have a practice that pushes you to be so mindful every day. My love of teaching predates my love of pottery; in a past life I studied equitable teaching practices in STEM and I taught physics. I feel so lucky to now share my love of pottery with others through teaching!

Brynn Leonard

Studio Instructor - she/her
My ceramics journey began at Gonzaga University where I attended a ceramics course that opened my eyes to functional art. I fell in love with the meditative process. Inspired by this experience, I pursued an independent art study where I focused on hand-building. Now, as a part of Dongzhu I have the opportunity to share my passion with others.

Tina Eder

Studio Instructor - she/her
Pottery was introduced to me in High School. I spent more time in the studio throughout my three years of education than elsewhere. It was a safe haven. In college I explored for another year. I should have majored in the arts but didn’t. Years later I find myself again on the wheel learning and exploring. It is a physical, mental, and implicit journey for me. I have taught as a Para Professional in the schools working one on one with children who had various needs for growth themselves and as a tutor in the high school to help young adults feel confident in their abilities. And not too long ago I taught Yoga at my little library in Cross Plains, in many ways this connection of learning very similar to my practice at Dongzhu. Pottery to me is a way to get out of your head. To stop the boxed in ideas of who we are and what we can do. I Love teaching. I Love connection. And most importantly I am in love with the art of Pottery and learning to become who I am.

Nicole Phelan

Studio Instructor - she/her

I’ve been working with clay for over 8 years, ever since I discovered a love for ceramics in college. My favorite way to work with clay is through handbuilt forms that blend whimsy with woodland-inspired elements. When I’m not in the studio, I’m often traveling—gathering inspiration from nature and new places—or selling my work at local art events around the area. I’m so excited to share my experience and creativity in the classroom, and to help others discover how fun and diverse the pottery process can be!