Meet Our Instructors
The ACCC Arts Center is proud to offer classes and on demand learning for the community. Below is a list of our talented instructors. Sign up for a Class or view our On Demand Learning Lessons.
Visit our Calendar for a list of all programs and events at the Arts Center and ACCC events within the community.
Mary K. E. Williamson
Ripple Art Studio & Gallery
952-454-5407
www.rippleartstudio.com
Types of Classes:
On Demand Learning, Acrylic Painting, Watercolor Painting, Drawing, Mosaic, Clay, Wire & Stone, Jewelry, Charcoal, Pastel, Mixed Media, Pen & Ink, Journaling & Colored Pencil. Classes taught will be either online/virtually, recorded or live or in person.
Ripple, is by definition a single action (person), creating an ongoing effect (on many art enthusiasts and artists!). Ripple Art Studio is a working studio where I create using multiple mediums, including but not limited to mosaic, acrylic, pen and ink, wire and bead and sculpture.
Teaching art is a passion of mine. I have been creating art my entire life. I instruct home school Co-op’s off site of the Studio as well as home school classes offered in the Studio. Besides Co-op, I offer art classes covering multiple mediums to interested children and adults throughout each week.
Having an amazing location in the heart of Historic Downtown Carver, allows me to participate in several events throughout the year, including the Art Wander tour in late September.
I have been a part of the ACCC since 2018 and on the Board of Directors since March 2020.
Katie Trent
952-486-1700
katie@bktrent.org
Types of Classes:
Glass fusing class – “paint pour”, potential for fused glass heart pendant
I have been working with glass for more than 20 years. Fusing glass is my latest passion, though I still love to work on commissioned traditional stained glass pieces. I keep experimenting with new techniques and ideas. I really love to teach, and look forward to sharing my expertise with the Carver County community. My classes are for anyone interested in glass as an artistic medium. Typically NO prior experience with glass is required. All you need is an inquisitive spirit and a willingness to climb outside of your box.
Jean Kubes-Werremeyer
970-819-5920
jrwerremeyer@yahoo.com
Types of Classes:
Mandala drawing classes with a different focus
I have taught several mandala drawing classes from age 10- adult. I love being able to provide a creative opportunity for all people, no experience is necessary. We all have a unique way of bringing beauty through circle drawing into the world. I learn and see incredible drawings in every class by each student. I’ve been creating my interpretation of mandalas for a few years and I continue to be amazed at the endless variety and possibilities.
Patrice Geyen
952-270-4978
www.piecesbypatrice.com
Types of Classes:
Jewelry Making
My strong Scandinavian heritage influences my jewelry designs of Saami Bracelets, Bunad Beaded Bracelets, Viking Knit, Nordic Runes and the Yggdrasil Tree of Life. Originally from western Minnesota, I live near Waconia and am an artist on the Carver County Art Wander and the Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl – the “Meander”.
Walter Cannon
641-295-9025
cannonw@central.edu
Types of Classes:
Literature classes: Shakespeare, Renaissance poetry and drama, Milton, James Joyce…
Walter W. Cannon is Professor of English Emeritus at Central College in Pella, Iowa where he taught early modern literature including Shakespeare and his contemporaries and a variety of writing courses. His reviews and essays have appeared in The Upstart Crow, Theater History Studies, Cahiers Elisabethains, and Inside Shakespeare: Essays on the Blackfriar’s Stage. He is co-editor with Laury Magnus of Who Hears in Shakespeare?: Auditory Worlds on Stage and Screen, (Fairleigh Dickinson UP, 2012) and Shakespeare’s Auditory Worlds: Hearing and Staging Practices, Then and Now (Fairleigh Dickinson UP, 2020).
Jim Hillis
612-201-4576
http://HillisDesign.com
Types of Classes:
Watercolor and Sketching for all artists of all skill levels.
I was a graphic designer for 40 years. I have taught at Madeline Island Art Guild, Congregation Church in Excelsior and Randolph AFB in San Antonio Texas. I am a charter member of the Watercolor Society of Minnesota, the Urban Sketchers and the Emerald Coast Plein Aire Painters.
Barb Hone
612-799-8208
bjhone@gmail.com
Types of Classes:
Literature
I love teaching. I love “words.” I love Shakespeare and love inspiring others to explore his works and understand why he rises above all other writers in the English language.
BA, English, Ohio Wesleyan University.
MA, English Education, Ohio State University.
My experience includes teaching middle school language arts – 2 years, London, OH and 7 years high school literature, Dublin, OH. I’ve presented Romeo & Juliet for a local book club and taught it at the ACCC Arts Center. I have 3 years of consulting experience (teaching adults in a business setting). Teaching piano – 19 years +. I’m a teacher – we’ll have fun!
I am an arts advocate. I’ve been an active member of the Arts Consortium of Carver County since 2011. I recently published a book about the Barn Quilts of Carver County Project.
Anne Krocak
612-251-0536
www.annekrocak.com
Types of Classes:
Painting Parties, Sip and Paint, Mosaics, Watercolor, Art Samplers, Photography, Fused Glass Jewelry, Silver clay art, Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Pottery, Ceramics, Printmaking, Concrete Sculpture, Public Art Adventures and Community Building, Paper Arts, Collage, Chalk and Oil Pastel Creations, Ceramic Sculpture, 3-D painting, and Book Making,
Anne has a Masters of Art Education and is a Nationally and Internationally recognized Artist. She has over 30 years designing, creating and leading residencies and classes for all ages and abilities.
Anne fosters happiness, self-esteem, new skills, artistic self-expression, a climate of caring and belonging. She focuses on “what we can do” rather than any perceived limitations. “I will bring my expertise and passion for celebrating the participating artists in my classes.” – Anne Krocak
Kristin Lebben
952-221-8689
https://kristinlebben.com
Types of Classes:
Photography, Work in Process Planning
Kristin is a professional photographer who shoots both portraiture and commercial photography. Additionally, she is a sculptor and is very active in the arts community. Her work has been published and won awards. As an artist, she loves to have fun with art and strives to bring that into her classes as well.
Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and an AAS degree in Commercial Photography from Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, MN where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a national academic honor society.
Bob Pollard
612-382-7164
artadventures1@gmail.com
pollardfinearts.wordpress.com
Types of Classes:
Printmaking, card making, Suminagashi paper marbling, book binding
A self-taught artist, Bob has created art in various styles and mediums all his life. His work is strongly influenced by the beauty of Lake Superior, music, and tribal art. He believes art should be an adventure and enjoys teaching his skills to others.
Stephanie Friant
815-592-3207
stephaniehfriant@gmail.com
Types of Classes:
needle felting, multi-media visual arts, writing
Stephanie Friant processes and reflects the world through her art and writing. Her art celebrates nature by embracing natural, eco-friendly, recycled, and vintage materials. As a writer, Stephanie uses words to draw out the nuances and details of the world around her. Stephanie leads classes, workshops, and retreats to provide opportunity for personal growth, and as much fun as possible!
