Pensacola, Florida

Tracy McDonald

Hello! My name is Tracy McDonald, and I was born and raised in Hinckley, Ohio. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio with a degree in Popular Culture but studied extensively in fine art. In the summer of 1995, I bought my first kick-wheel and set it up in my mother’s garage! I have been making and selling functional pottery at shows across the Southeast on and off for the last 30 years.

I have served as Pottery Studio Manager for the Pullen Arts Center in Raleigh, NC. And most recently, I spent eight years working as a middle school art teacher for Santa Rosa County Schools in Northwest Florida, providing a rigorous arts education to hundreds of young people across the county.

I love all things art, but my favorite has always been pottery! My passion as an art educator comes from the love of creating and being able to share that creation with others.

Gwen Jones

I am a native of Pensacola and love being able to call this place my home! From an early age, I embraced a love for art and a passion to express creativity. Making pottery, painting, and drawing are a few of my favorite artistic outlets. After graduating from the University of West Florida, I worked in advertising, marketing and customer relations. But once my children were born, I was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom. When my children were old enough for school, I volunteered daily in their classrooms where I discovered another love…working with children and teaching! Fast forward to now where I currently teach 2nd grade and my love for teaching children and for creating art thrives. Now I am very excited to be working with Children’s Art Classes to bring art education to even more children!

Michelle Larson

I grew up in Wisconsin, but it was Pensacola’s charm, warmth, and sense of community that made me want to put down roots here. As the owner of Children’s Art Classes Pensacola, my goal is to bring something meaningful to our community — a place where kids can grow creatively, build confidence, and discover their artistic voice.