About
Hello! I’m Marisa Finos, a ceramics artist with over 20 years of experience. I love creating a supportive environment for all students to thrive.
I received my MFA in Ceramics from Virginia Commonwealth University, and I’ve taught in a range of schools, studios, and classrooms with people of all ages and abilities. In my own practice, I’m a large scale sculptor and installation artist working with clay in a variety of ways.
As a queer artist, I’m strongly committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming classroom environment. My approach to teaching is open and collaborative, and I enjoy meeting students where they are and working together to bring an idea to fruition. I’m happy to tailor projects and explanations to students’ individual abilities. I love helping folks learn the language of clay and facilitating opportunities to connect through art making.
Contact
Have a question about my offerings?
Are you a local organization that would like to bring a ceramics workshops to your community?
Sliding Scale
As a studio artist who has taught in many different types of classrooms, I often found that even I could not afford to take the classes that I was teaching. My goal as a teacher is to help make art more widely accessible by providing sliding scale pricing.
This model is presented in 2 price tiers and is available for all of my offerings. You will have the same experience no matter what you can afford. The lower price covers my minimum hourly rate + materials, while the regular price covers my standard hourly rate + materials. If even the minimum option is cost-prohibitive, please reach out and we can come up with a solution.
To help you decide which option is best fit for you, please see considerations below.
Thank you to Andrea Vollgas at Vollgas Studios, who gave permission to use their wise words!
Consider paying less on the scale if you:
- are a person who experiences discrimination and/or violence related to systematic oppression
- have medical expenses not covered by insurance
- have medical expenses, been denied work, or experience discrimination related to ableism
- are eligible for public assistance
- have immigration-related expenses
- are a sex worker who experiences occupational discrimination (personal or legislative)
- are an unpaid community organizer
- are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history
- are supporting children, family members in need or have other dependents
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
- own the home you live in
- have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
- travel recreationally
- have access to family money and resources in times of need
- work part-time by choice
- have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender privilege, racial privilege, thin privilege, class background, etc. Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice.
Deposit and Payment
A deposit of $35 is required upon booking to reserve your lesson or workshop date and materials. This deposit will be deducted from your final cost. Once you’ve signed up, I will reach out to coordinate payment.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel within 48-hours of your scheduled workshop time, please know that your $35 deposit will not be refunded. If you wish to reschedule the appointment, your deposit will be carried over to your new booking. Please email Marisa as soon as possible for any changes to be made to your reservation. If you feel sick, please reschedule.
Payments can be made on day of your workshop. I accept Venmo, Paypal.