Staff and Instructors
Staff
Tori Pelz – Executive Director
Tori received her Masters of Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis. She has spent the past decade working with non-profits and teaching art to youth and college students from diverse backgrounds. She has experienced the power of the arts to build bridges in community and is a firm believer that the arts, unlike any other discipline, empowers individuals and generates opportunity. She and her husband Mike live in Grand Rapids.
Lisa Nelson – Operations Manager
Lisa received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Michigan State University. Her career has focused on youth programs, administration and also design. She believes in the importance of art as a means for self-expression and community building. Lisa lives in Holland with her husband and daughter.
Carolyn Wermuth – Intern
Carolyn is a junior at Hope College, double-majoring in Communications and Classical Studies and is the Communications intern here at CultureWorks. Although not artistically gifted herself, Carolyn is intrigued by the beauty of art (her favorites are Dali and Van Gogh). She loves getting to see the way communication functions in a non-profit setting, as well as how powerfully creativity affects students here.
Instructors
Our instructors are not only professionals and experienced educators in their field, they also have a passion to see students grow as creative individuals.
Hannah Bush – Ceramics
I always loved art as a child. However, it wasn’t until I went to Hope College that I decided my life would be dedicated to the creative lifestyle. In my time at CultureWorks I hope to instill in others the same love for ceramics and photography that I have come to know
Rosie Daly – Wheel
I love working with clay. When I am in the studio, it’s like I am having coffee with my best friend. We talk of our frustrations, discuss new ideas, and bring closure to past conversations.
Fidel Mireles – Dance
Dan Parker – Product Design
Whether it was finding a new way to turn my lights off at night or fixing a favorite toy, I grew up wondering how things work. This awe of the world around me led me to product design & engineering where I get to combine childhood intrigue with a professional career. My desire is for students to experience similar wonder at the world around them as they become creative innovators and not just passive consumers.
