BOARD MEMBERS

President | Funding & Development | Finance | Long-Range Planning | Guild Outreach

Adeline La is the Shop Manager at the Gardiner Museum, where she works closely with artists and the community through the Gardiner Shop. She joined FUSION as Board Secretary in the fall of 2022 and has been actively involved in the arts and culture sector for many years. Adeline also serves as the president of another non-for-profit organization. Her passion for this work is rooted in the strong sense of community it fosters—something she finds truly meaningful and inspiring.

Secretary | Marketing & Communications

Danielle Skentzos brings a passion for ceramics to her role as a FUSION board member. Inspired by her rural background, Danielle discovered her love for pottery after completing her Masters in Education. She founded Shiralee Pottery to share her work and now co-directs the Mentorship Program with Angelo Di Petta, facilitating unique learning opportunities for members. Danielle finds joy in the supportive community of FUSION, fostering growth and lasting friendships.

Student Liaison | Membership

Thomas, a ceramics student at Sheridan College, serves as FUSION’s Student Board Representative, connecting clay and glass students with the organization. He brings the student perspective to board discussions, promotes opportunities like scholarships and conferences, supports communications, and helps shape student-focused programming while advocating for affordability, representation, and stronger student engagement within FUSION.

Marketing & Communications | Membership | Guild Outreach | Exhibitions

Sarah is a potter, instructor and technician based out of Milton, Ontario. She produces mainly functional wares, constructed with a combination of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. Sarah holds both an Honours Bachelor of Craft & Design from Sheridan College and a diploma of Visual & Creative Art and Design with a certificate in Ceramics from HSAD. She has 5 years of industry experience working for Tucker's Pottery Supplies, and has nearly a decade working with clay.

Past President | Membership | Faces of FUSION

I discovered the magic of ceramics while teaching French Immersion at TDSB and never looked back. After graduating from Sheridan College Ceramics in 2018, I was awarded the Gardiner Museum graduating award and started to work on my own in my backyard studio, building my portfolio and applying to exhibitions all over the continent. In 2019, I joined the FUSION board to become more involved in the local ceramic community and I have been enjoying working in a group of like-minded artists towards bringing together ceramists from all over for shows and events. I served as FUSION's President from 2021-2025 and am delighted to work with such a strong and talented group of people on the FUSION board in the role of Past President.

Treasurer | Funding & Development | Finance

Mike is now retired but has spent over 40 years working in finance. He has a CA designation and has worked as a senior financial officer in several organizations. Although Mike is not a clay or glass artist, he and his wife enjoy going to craft and art shows. Mike is thrilled to be able to work with the rest of the team at FUSION.

Conference | Programs & Workshops | Exhibitions

I had my first experience with clay in an introduction to hand building class in 2016. I had never considered myself creative or artistic, despite trying various media and crafts. I felt an instant connection with clay. Shortly after, I joined the Waterloo Potters Workshop (co-op). I continued to take various classes locally and across Ontario, slowly building my skills in different techniques. I specialize in making pots that highlight their handmade nature and show my involvement.

Conference | Marketing & Communications | Mentorships

Talia Silva’s explorations in clay are created to encourage wonder, contemplation and meaningful connection between object and person. Pensive and often tactile, the objects playfully inquire our place in the natural world and reflect on the temporal and cyclical nature of being.

Vice President / Conference

I began my art journey as a printmaker and through summer classes found my way to use terra sigilatta and smoke-firing clay. I joined Toronto Potters and started a new job teaching art at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts where I was able to reinvigorate the ceramics program. I taught there from 2000-2017. I participated in many FUSION exhibitions and taught a saggar workshop for the 2016 FUSION Conference. I joined the Board in 2018 to be Secretary and was appointed Vice President in 2023. I love the people I work with and the challenges - it’s like a sailing adventure.

Mentorships

I live in Millbrook, Ontario and have been active in ceramics for 55 years. At this point in my career, FUSION is not as critical as it was for me in the 70s and 80s. So, now I am contributing my experiences to help FUSION expand its program offerings.

Marketing & Communications | Exhibitions

Jonah Strub’s sculptural ceramics are a love letter to camp, kitsch, musical theatre, Yiddish humor, and drag. He aims to spark dialogue around masculinity, femininity, matzo balls, and outrageous up-dos, embracing the harmony of his Jewish and queer identities with humor, bright colors, animal prints, and body hair.