Our Team

Now serving as Chief Operating Officer, Sue previously served as the General Manager at OTAS for the past five years. She continues to work incredibly hard to keep the organization running smoothly and efficiently.

Ivanna began at OTAS teaching classes for the Outreach Program. She now coordinates all events, manages volunteers, and conducts all social media and marketing for the studios.

Katie first volunteered at OTAS when in high school.  After returning to the Coachella Valley in late 2020, she officially joined the team!  She is honored to help bring art to the community through her current role.

LeiAn joined the team in late 2021. With a background in Graphic Design, she keeps things organized and up to date in reception, retail, and Paint Your Own Pottery.

Teri Lee began at OTAS as a student and volunteer. Now she provides a smile and warm welcome to those who walk through the door, ready to take on any task.

Kelly brings a warmth and passion to her work every day. From painting to patching and everything in between, Kelly keeps our beautiful campus in the best condition it can be.

For Dave, Watercolor painting is an attempt to relate the emotion of nature’s light show. He prefers watercolor because of its spontaneous and somewhat unpredictable nature. After a busy life as a firefighter and family provider he built a boat and sailed away for 10 years. After years of voyaging with his now wife Judy, Dave has moved back on land to La Quinta, California and teaches watercolor art at OTAS.

Frank started at Old Town Artisan studios in April 2022 and has been working with after school programs like the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Alzheimers, and children with special needs. An accomplished painter and muralist, Frank brings an intentional and calming presence his work and those he teaches.

The illumination of color and the dance of shadows has always intrigued me. It is my quest to capture those elements in my work. Now in the Coachella Valley, I am pleased to be active in the Artists Council, Women Artists of the Desert, Desert Art Center and Coachella Valley Watercolor Society – where I am grateful for the awards & recognition I have received. Old Town Artisan Studios, Ironwood Art Group & the Art Museum are venues where I currently teach the ‘Joy of Watercolor’ and Water-Soluable Oils.

I am a retired educator who has always found the need to have creative time. There is joy in sharing ideas and creating with others. I love working in different mediums. I do nuno felting, needle felting, tapestry weaving, gourd art, mixed media, encaustic art, gelli prints, acrylic pours, jewelry, and airdried clay. Enjoying creating in many forms, one is never bored. I have been with Old Town Artisans for over four years and truly believe in its mission.

Stefania has been OTAS since the very beginnng. A full-time elementary school teacher, Stefania still teaches a weekly class at OTAS called Pottery Friends, instructing adults with special needs.

An experienced potter, Robin creates beautiully-crafted pieces from her home studio. Previously a student on campus, she now teaches private lessons in Pottery Wheel at OTAS.