Cynthia Zmetronak

Pottery has been a passion since early childhood. Mud Pies were my first New Jersey clay experience. I moved to Florida to earn Masters degrees at Florida Atlantic University (one in Art Education and one in Technology). Since retiring from Broward County Public Schools as an art instructor, I recently spent two years at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. I have been able to continue my clay study and practice in a creative artist community including a winter artist residency (brrrrr) and subsequent clay and glass concentration classes at Penland.  As an ambassador for Penland School of Crafts, I encourage and inform University students about our summer scholarship work study studio programs in many mediums. Read more I maintain a teaching and student relationship with the school during the summer by both teaching clay classes and enrolling in classes that hone my skills and interests in clay, glass and art in general. My work in clay and glass continues since returning home to my Parkland Studio in Florida. Avalon, my Great Pyrenees rescue dog and his three cats are daily inspirations for my comical black and white illustrations on clay functional and decorative ware. I work in more than one clay body and firing temperature and my work has more than one face and style. When not teaching or working in the studio I am working on updating my online etsy account called THEGHOSTORCHIDART and on developing my website. I strongly believe in supporting local artists within the community. I continue to be active in 3 local pottery guilds, Florida Atlantic, Broward College and the Ceramic League of the Palm Beaches.  As a life long learner and maker, I enjoy my instructional practice with students in group and private settings.  Making pots, learning to cook new vegan recipes, kayaking, allowing myself time to observe animals in natural wild settings (including National Parks and my own back yard at times) and spending time at home in Parkland with my friends and family are joys.  I strive to teach students to make pieces that they will enjoy both making and sharing as much as I do.