The key to the success of our program lies in the quality of artists VAIS attracts to share their knowledge with our students. The VAIS Roster is a resource for classroom teachers, offering a list of vetted professional artists, residency ideas, and professional background information.
Please check the list below for artists on the 2025-2026 roster by artistic discipline.
Artists wishing to teach with VAIS are invited to apply at any time by sending a letter of interest and resume to vais@vashoncenterforthearts.org. If teachers are interested in working with artists who are outside this list, please contact program manager, Elizabeth Shaw.
Bookmaking
I am a graduate of the University of New Mexico where I studied classical painting, drawing, and traditional bookmaking. I also studied landscape painting in northern New Mexico. I enjoy working in the school system in particular and I have worked with people within a wide range of different cultures, abilities, ages, and personalities. I make a constant effort to communicate well with others and create a unifying group in which artists can support and learn from each other.
Marine Debris Art
I am an artist and writer who specializes in community-based public art that tells a story. For many years I taught art and writing workshops and residencies through programs like The Right Brain Initiative, Multnomah County Libraries, VOZ Workers Rights Education Project and multiple schools. The Pandemic got me into working with trash and a residency at the Vashon Island House in early 2025 brought me to Quartermaster Harbor. Since then I’ve coordinated with the Vashon Island Epic Clean Up (organized with the Rotary and Zero Waste), the Puget Soundkeepers and Center for the Wooden Boat in Seattle, and SOLVE and Trash for Peace in Portland. My aim is to continue to create public art with community partners and volunteers, but
Print making
Brian Fisher’s work has been exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the Pacific Northwest. He is represented by Roby King Gallery on Bainbridge Island, Washington and shows regularly with Gather Vashon on Vashon Island, Washington. He is a member of Seattle Print Arts and of the print studio Quartermaster Press.
Weaving
Through the millennia people have woven functional, spiritual and fanciful vessels and textiles. The care and ingenuity with which the materials have been harvested, prepared and woven have endowed these creations with an intrinsic beauty and value. Traditional weavers live and work closely with nature; they nurture and respect it. By giving young people the opportunity to learn the art of weaving, we help them to possess a connection with our ancestors, to value the process of creating something of meaning and beauty, and to express themselves.
Traditional Tlingit Artwork
From 2000 to present, Odin has carved totem poles and house posts for clients in Chicago, Portland, and Paris. In 2005, he completed a ten-foot Killer Whale and Thunderbird totem for Everett Community College, north of Seattle. In 2006, a seven-foot long carved, painted Killer Whale panel will be dedicated at the Seattle Aquarium.
Ceramics
Stephanie Marotta, owner of S.Marotta Pottery, began her journey in ceramics while growing up in the heart of Bucks County, PA. Pottery was an adjunct to her education in Computer Science, and Stephanie continued to pursue ceramics as a hobbyist during her careers in industry and education. Fueled by her passion for the craft and relocation to art-friendly Vashon Island in the Fall of 2016, Stephanie has had the opportunity to delve into her craft in earnest. She is currently exploring pottery using various stoneware clay bodies. Her goal is to create “Unique Pottery to Enjoy Every Day” – Functional pottery that is affordable and comfortable to use every day.
Photography
Photography/Business of Art
Ray has been photographing professionally for over 20 years - in New York City and the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest and Canada, Europe and Asia.
Fiber Arts
Maggie Tomberlin is a fiber artist, photographer, and certified permaculture designer residing in Tacoma, WA. She currently works as a Visual Arts Instructor for Parks Tacoma with the Beyond the Bell program providing afterschool art programs in Tacoma Public Schools. During the summer, she collaboratively develops and teaches weeklong arts camps at local community centers. Before moving to Tacoma, Maggie developed project proposals and implemented age appropriate knitting curriculum for both children and adults in afterschool and retail settings. She has also worked and volunteered as a camp counselor teaching environmental science at the Oregon Zoo and Oregon’s Outdoor School program. Her textile skills include weaving, sewing, embroidery, knitting, spinning, felting, and natural dyeing. In her free time, she is a volunteer Parks Tacoma site steward and serves as treasurer on the board of the Tacoma Weavers Guild.
Bookmaking
I am a graduate of the University of New Mexico where I studied classical painting, drawing, and traditional bookmaking. I also studied landscape painting in northern New Mexico. I enjoy working in the school system in particular and I have worked with people within a wide range of different cultures, abilities, ages, and personalities. I make a constant effort to communicate well with others and create a unifying group in which artists can support and learn from each other.
Ceramics
Laurie Thorpe focuses on hand building in her studio practice, utilizing coil, slab, and carving techniques. She started out by taking classes with Vashon’s beloved Liz Lewis and will forever be grateful for her instruction. She is inspired by vintage Danish ceramics, and the colors and textures she finds on her adventures in the mountains.
Fiber Art
Monica Wilson is an artist creating color, prints, and patterns on natural fibers using plants and flowers. She is inspired by nature, slow sustainable living as well as bringing the natural world into your daily life.