Classes & Workshops

Marilyn MacLean

GUEST INSTRUCTOR

“Completely hands-on, very patient and endlessly generous with her knowledge and time.” Bea Branya, student.

Marilyn is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts. She’s been teaching pottery classes for over 30 years. She produces functional pottery out of her backyard studio in Clyde River. A natural teacher, Marilyn’s ‘mission’ is to give aspiring beginner potters an excellent foundation of the potters wheel. As a self-described fighter, Marilyn represents RESILIENCE and that’s just one reason why we are thrilled to have her on our support team!

Jaiden Carragher

STUDIO TECH | “I make stuff”

Jaiden’s pottery journey began at the age of 9, when she attended her 1st class, and where she quickly developed a true passion for the craft. She continued to take classes until the age of 18, after which she began selling her work and assisting in local studios. She enjoys making functional pieces of art while exploring the science behind pottery processes. Currently, she’s focused on working with and developing glazes that mimic outer space elements or natural earth textures. At The Alley Street Clay Club, Jaiden can be found mixing glazes, loading the kilns and/or just tidying up. But when she’s finished maintaining order, we can’t wait to see what she makes next!

Robert McMillan

GUEST INSTRUCTOR | “Take the journey. Start at the beginning.”

Robert credits his Mom Elizabeth for introducing him to the wheel at the age of 12, and for that, we are grateful! He brings a wealth of experience to The Club as both instructor and production potter. Robert’s been immersed in PEI’s craft community since arriving here in 2010. He’s been a long-time supporter of the PEI Crafts Council, serving in several roles there, including 2 terms as president. He is self-taught and believes in the value of learning core skills first and then refining those skills through repetition. A small handwritten note in his studio sums up his mantra – “Make More Pots”. Yes we will, Robert. Welcome aboard!

Eryn Carruthers

STUDIO INSTRUCTOR

Eryn has always had a passion for creating art. Her father Sandy Carruthers, who taught Graphic Design at Holland College for 23 years, guided her as she grew her drawing skills throughout her childhood. Eryn graduated in 2010 from the Holland College Fundamental Arts program and began attending NSCAD in Halifax that September. It was at NSCAD where she discovered her love for ceramic arts and in 2012, she received the Innovation PEI Craft Education Award. She shifted gears to pursue a career in Massage Therapy but never lost her passion for pottery. When she returned to PEI, she became a member of the PEI Potters studio where she was able to be happily reacquainted with the craft. In January 2025, she joined the Alley Street Clay Club both as founding member and start-up manager. Eryn was integral in getting the studio up and running safely, and we couldn’t have done it without her!

Eryn is inspired by the natural world and tries to capture it using colours found in nature and soft organic forms. She also loves listening to music and enjoys singing. Eryn lives in Pownal with her partner Dylan, her son Fynn and their two cats Dynah and Momo.

Eryn’s interest in studio health & safety, her gently personality and her creativity makes her a perfect teammate at Alley Street Clay Club! Her students love her and so do we!

Alex Bevan-Baker

GUEST INSTRUCTOR

With a chef background in fine dining restaurants, Alex brings a blend of precision, functionality and chemistry to his pottery. A former member of the PEI Potters Studio and graduate of the Haliburton School of Art & Design ceramics program, he has over 10 years of experience with clay. In 2022 he took the leap and built his own studio, specializing in crystalline glazed pottery. Alex is thrilled to join the team at Alley Street Clay Club and kick start his teaching. He promises not to yell at you like Gordon Ramsey.

John Greenwell

STUDIO TECH/GUEST INSTRUCTOR

John Greenwell is an inveterate and curious tinkerer who hails from the far shores of the west coast. He’s been in love with making things since he discovered that you could combine different materials together and call it something else. This obsession with material and process as a driving creative force has led him down many creative avenues and back alleys.

Pottery was initially an offshoot of a professional love affair with cooking; that interest in making forms to serve and create food has informed much of his body of work in terms of what objects are made. The unexpected left turn has come in the form of an ever deepening rabbit hole of exploration and harvesting of materials and techniques for making pottery that reflects his locale: first in Toronto, and now on the East Coast.

John is always eager to learn new ideas and approaches at the intersections of his crafting interests. Sharing his own findings with others is a part of the community crafting ethos he holds in high esteem and for that, we are grateful to have him onboard!