Riverside ARTS Center

Tami Gagné – Financial Director/Instructor is an Illinois certified art teacher with experience in curriculum writing and development. She received her B.S.Ed in Art Education from Northern Illinois University and she also holds an A.A.S. degree in Multimedia and Computer Imaging. She has sold her artwork in the U.S. and internationally.

John Harmon – Facilities/Ceramics Manager/Instructor graduated with a M.F.A. in ceramics from the University of Texas at San Antonio and attended the ceramics program in Sun Valley, Idaho. He taught for many years at Concordia University and at the college-level in Midland, Texas and has lectured and held workshops in Ohio, Texas, and Idaho. His pottery and sculpture are widely exhibited and collected throughout the U.S.

Heather Hug – School Manager/Instructor received her B.F.A. in Ceramics and Sculpture from the University of Evansville, Indiana. She has worked professionally as an artist and instructor, teaching classes and workshops at all levels forvarious institutions in the Chicago area. Heather also designs and teaches educational workshops for Chicago museums and city programs.

Bob Jones – Gallery Attendant

Rachel Lechocki, Gallery Staff / Instructor graduated from Columbia College and received a B.A. in Art and Design/Art History with a minor in Cultural Studies. She has worked with the Oak Park Art League and Park District as an Art Instuctor, Assistant and Dance Coordinator. Rachel now also currently working for Kensington School as an Administrator. Rachel develops, writes, implements and teaches Arts & Enrichment cirriculum for 6 schools.

Thomas McDonald- Instructor has been creating art since 1981. He holds a M.F.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a B.F.A. from Northern Illinois University. He currently is on faculty at several local colleges, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His painting and sculpture is widely exhibited and collected throughout the United States.

Tariq Tamir - Instructorstudied at Columbia College Chicago and has been involved in the fine arts for over 10 years. Tariq has taught young adults ages 14-21 with Chicago’s Gallery 37 and the Boys and Girls Club. In addition to being poetically inclined, Tariq uses art as a medium for self-growth and empowerment.

Shawn Vincent - Instructorreceived a B.S. degree from Western Illinois University with majors in both Fine Art and Biology. She spent many years working as an art director for an advertising agency and also freelanced. Finding her true passion, Shawn has worked in ceramics for over 15 years and has been teaching for 10 years. She has exhibited her pottery at various galleries and venues throughout the Chicago land area and her work is collected nationwide.