Teaching Artist Gallery

Bringing creative skills to classrooms & art centers since 2002

Contact me for information about programs at your facility, business or school.

* Small group CLAY sessions at Heather mcqueen studio. ongoing, ages 14+ $40+
Monday & Tuesday 11am-1pm, Thursday 6-8pm

new! the clay way, a workshop with no end product.
Take yourself on an inner journey, using the tactile qualities of clay to reach new insights. A collab with Laura Scout Coaching.

About my teaching style:

Teaching is about building partnerships. It takes time to define one’s perspective and I encourage students to remain open to changes, embrace them, and look for lessons in both successes and failures. I ask them to widen their understanding by becoming literate in the discourse of art history and contemporary practice.

I manage creative spaces that embrace the vibrant disarray of experimentation, and also instill regard for tools, materials, peers and others in the studio environment. I believe in sketchbooks, note-taking and measurements; these are critical for future reference and help to display what students know (and want to know). It is my goal that each individual learn from the clay. Learn to plan & tend, create & trim away, and to be persistent in their vision. Ultimately, it is my role as teacher to encourage learners at key intervals as they endeavor to learn new skills and define themselves through their work.

In this short interview, I share my experience as a ceramic artist working with visually impaired students. Teaching pottery through touch, sound, and intuition has deepened my understanding of the medium — and of how creativity can thrive beyond sight. This clip highlights the joy, challenge, and connection found in making ceramics accessible to all.


Testimonials

Heather was a wonderful teacher and a pleasure to be with during the class. She showed us exactly what we needed to know, let us make our own mistakes, then helped correct them with a smile on her face. I would highly recommend Heather and her class - it was such a great time!
— Tony, Chicago • February 2025
Heather was incredibly thoughtful, thorough, and delightful to be with! She is an artist with a true passion and ability to invite others into her passion with lots of approachable, practical tips!
— Laura, Chicago • May 2024