At Parkdale Pottery, we’re lucky to be surrounded by an incredible community of artists, but today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the powerhouse women who make our studio the inspiring, creative, and welcoming space that it is. From sculptors to throwers, storytellers to innovators, these women aren’t just shaping clay—they’re shaping the next generation of potters, one class at a time. So, in honour of International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate just a few of the many talented women who make Parkdale Pottery what it is!
Jess Riva Cooper
Meet Jess Riva Cooper—artist, educator, and absolute ceramic powerhouse. If you’ve ever seen her work, you know it practically breathes—bursting with movement, colour, and the kind of energy that makes you do a double take.
Jess pulls inspiration from Yiddish folklore, weaving hauntingly beautiful stories into clay. Think overgrown ruins, creeping ivy reclaiming forgotten spaces, and mischievous Dybbuks that take over their hosts—except in her world, it’s plants that possess the pottery. (Honestly, we love a little eerie magic.)
With an MFA from RISD and artist residencies at Medalta, Archie Bray, and Kohler Arts/Industry, Jess is bringing some serious sculptural knowledge to Parkdale Pottery. She’s teaching our Sculptural Ceramics Course at Dupont, and trust us—if you want to push the boundaries of clay, this is the class for you.
Natalie Waddell
When it comes to clay, storytelling, and all-around good vibes, Natalie Waddell is the real deal. Her work is a love letter to heritage, memory, and the process itself—every piece she creates feels like it carries a little piece of history.
Her ceramics journey started at Sheridan College, but Natalie didn’t stop there. She’s now a rockstar in the pottery world (literally—she was a judge on CBC’s The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down). And lucky for us, she shares her knowledge and passion right here in our studio!
Want to throw clay with one of the best? If you want to learn from a true pottery legend, grab a spot in Natalie’s Pottery Fundamentals or Intermediate Throwing class this March at our Queen Street West Location. You won’t regret it!
Mariana Bolaños Inclán
Mariana Bolaños Inclán isn’t just an incredible ceramic artist—she’s a storyteller, a community builder, and an all-around powerhouse of creativity. Originally from Mexico, Mariana’s ceramics journey started with her literally pulling clay from the earth, and that deep connection to the raw material shines through in her work today. Fast forward to today, and she’s shaping narratives about migration, social justice, and gender equality through her sculptural work. Her art, deeply inspired by nature’s cycles of life and resilience, is a beautiful reflection of her own journey as a woman and an immigrant.
Now based in Toronto, she’s exhibited across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., and she’s currently an artist-in-residence at Harbourfront Centre (no big deal, right?). When she’s not busy exhibiting around the world, she’s here at Parkdale Pottery, filling our Pottery Fundamentals classes with warmth, wisdom, and that signature Mariana magic.
Valentina Guevara
Straight outta Toluca, Mexico, Valentina Guevara landed in Canada over a decade ago, and let’s just say—our art scene got a serious upgrade. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia, she’s been painting, potting, and generally making the world more beautiful ever since.
Before joining us in Toronto, Valentina worked her magic at Mosaika Art & Design, turning public spaces into works of art. But ceramics? That’s where her heart is. Her work is infused with the vibrant energy of her Mexican roots, and you can feel it in every single piece she creates.
She’s warm, wildly talented, and the kind of artist you need to take a class with. Lucky for you, she’s leading our Intermediate Throwing classes! If you’ve ever wanted to learn from someone who really understands the language of clay, now’s your chance!
Zsuzsa Monostory
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a scientist swaps test tubes for clay, let us introduce you to Zsuzsa Monostory! Born and raised in Hungary, she started out with a biology degree from ELTE University before making the big move to Canada in 1989. For years, she worked in medical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, but in 1997, she took a leap of faith—trading the lab for the studio, and honestly, we’re forever grateful.
Zsuzsa’s work is all about storytelling—she pulls from architecture, nature, and the intricate beauty of living things to create pieces that feel deeply alive. Thanks to her background in biology, she has this incredible way of capturing movement and emotion in clay, whether it’s a human figure or an animal mid-motion.
And now, she’s bringing her expertise straight to you! Join her Pottery Fundamental class and get inspired by her unique perspective (and maybe hear a few fascinating science facts while you throw).
Dana Dallal
And last but certainly not least, Dana Dallal - the woman, the myth, the clay legend. As the founder of Parkdale Pottery, she's the heartbeat and glue (err slip?) of our little clay haven. Whether she’s handbuilding, throwing on the wheel, or layering the most mesmerizing botanical designs onto her work (seriously, her surface design skills are chef’s kiss), Dana brings her fashion and textile design background into every piece she creates. Her work isn’t just beautiful—it tells a story, weaving together childhood memories, textures, and nature into one-of-a-kind ceramics.
When she’s not covered in clay, or running a small business, she’s out here being a full-time mom to (soon-to-be) THREE little ones (seriously, is there anything she can’t do?). Basically, she’s a powerhouse, and we’re forever in awe!
And while these amazing women are just a handful of the powerhouse ceramics creators we’re lucky enough to have at Parkdale Pottery, they’re only the tip of the iceberg. We have so many talented female instructors, staff, technicians, members, and students who make our studio truly special—each one bringing their own spark of creativity, passion, and warmth to our little clay community. From our skilled technicians to every student who walks through our doors, these incredible women are the backbone of everything we do. We’re beyond grateful to be surrounded by such a talented, supportive, and inspiring crew of women who make this space what it is—your energy is felt in every pot, every class, and every smile!
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Welcome to Parkdale Pottery, your premier destination for pottery classes and workshops in Toronto's vibrant Parkdale neighbourhood. As a woman-owned teaching studio, we're committed to fostering creativity and skill development in clay and ceramic arts. Our welcoming studio space is designed to bring together artists of all levels, providing a supportive community where friendships flourish alongside artistic growth. Join us in exploring the boundless possibilities of pottery, whether you're a beginner or seasoned artisan. Let's sculpt, shape, and create together at Parkdale Pottery!