About Us
Our Team
Gus “Tavi” Miranda
Owner/InstructorGus holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Florida International University with a major in painting along with his National Boards for Professional Teaching Certificate in Visual Arts. As a former employee in Miami-Dade Public School System, he had over 15 years experience as an elementary art teacher and museum educator. He has also had many years instructing summer camps and teen portfolio development classes at the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Bass Museum of Art. He is following his passion of making pottery and teaching others the wonderful world of art and clay. Gus’ philosophy on art making and teaching is “You must learn to trust yourself and your intuition, have no fear and expect beautiful mistakes”
Melissa Maxfield Miranda
Owner/InstructorMelissa holds a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and an MFA in Ceramics from California State University, Long Beach. She received scholarships to attend renowned craft residencies at Haystack and Watershed in Maine. Her passion for clay began in high school at New World School of the Arts, supported by inspiring teachers.
Melissa has worked as an exhibiting artist and as a full-time educator at Inner-City Arts in Los Angeles. She currently teaches art at David Fairchild Elementary and served as a museum educator for the Bass Museum of Art and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
Her teaching philosophy complements Gus’s beautifully: “Beauty is discovering who you are in each moment of creation—where life’s struggles fall away and curiosity, compassion, and joy can bloom.”
Alison Burrus
EducatorAlison holds a BFA, an MA, and a Specialist degree in Art Education from Florida International University, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Recently retired from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, she taught art at David Fairchild Elementary and supported the Museum Education Program at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. She also serves as Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent for the Dade County Youth Fair’s Fine Arts Department.
Throughout her career, Alison has led professional development workshops, held numerous leadership roles, and earned honors including Teacher of the Year at David Fairchild Elementary, the Distinguished Service Award, and the Skevy Ralis Art Education Award of Honor. An accomplished painter, she has exhibited at CQ Gallery, Borders Gallery, and Fairchild Tropical Gardens.
Alison’s teaching philosophy: “I help students reach their creative potential. As a professional artist, I share my love of art and guide them back to their first language… Art.”
Noah Farrid
Pottery InstructorNoah is a graduate of Florida International University where he received his BFA. He is very hungry to learn everything about pottery and is a natural talent on the wheel. He enjoys teaching and sharing his passion with others.
Victor Urros
Pottery InstructorVictor Saul Urroz Lanzas is a Nicaraguan artist based in Miami, he specializes in both handbuilt and wheel thrown ceramics. Victor received their Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida International University, and he has exhibited at the Laundromat Art Space for his senior thesis show, Peeling the Glass Onion. Since graduating, was an artist-in-residence at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and Starworks Ceramics. Victor is very passionate about clay, and loves teaching his passion.
Jonathan Terras
Pottery InstructorJonathan is a multimedia artist born in Homestead, Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida International University and works primarily in ceramics, practicing both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Just as expressive as his artwork, Jonathan brings creativity, energy, and personality into everything he makes.
Samara Rodriguez
Studio Assistant/InstructorSamara is a ceramic artist and studio assistant with a BFA in Studio Art from the University of North Texas. Her practice blends handbuilding, mold-making, and surface experimentation to explore themes of memory and cultural identity. At the studio, she assists with production, firing, and class support. She loves helping create a welcoming space for students and artists!
We are located in the center of Miami-Dade County right off the Palmetto Expressway
Very safe area near local breweries and restaurants
Hours
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