Our Team.
When I started this studio almost 3 years ago, I had a ton of ideas, but I couldn't execute them all on my own. Slowly but surely, I started building a team of fun and friendly artists and crafters to help me expand on what we are able to offer the community. From painters to jewelry makers, architects, crafters, and potters, our team brings a well-rounded set of gifts and talents to the studio and to those we serve in Green Valley, Sahuarita, and the greater Tucson area!
Kate Rodriguez
Owner & Lead Teaching Artist
A former public school art teacher, Kate teaches a variety of kids' and adult classes and workshops both in-studio and at local schools, homeschool co-ops, and outside private facilities, and you will see her in the studio every other Saturday during Open Studio hours. She could not have followed her dream to open Nopalera Studios without the help and support of her husband, Pedro, who consistently works as handy man, Sip&Paint assistant, and overall support system when he is not serving the local community as a Sheriff's Deputy.
Rachel Moffett
Teaching Artist
Specializing in Polymer Clay Jewelry & Fiber Arts
A local jewelry maker, quilter, crafter, and owner of "Call Me Susie", Rachel teaches a variety of kids' and adult classes in the studio, specifically Fiber Arts and Polymer Clay Earring workshops. Apart from her classes and workshops, you can see her every Sunday during Open Studio hours.
Vanessa Bustrum
Teaching Artist & Preschool Specialist
A local crafter and former preschool teacher, Vanessa adds an abundance of new ideas and creative energy to the team. Aside from teaching our preschool art classes, she hosts a variety of workshops including painting, crafting and jewelry making. You can meet Vanessa during open studio hours on Fridays and every other Saturday.
Cathy Beale
Teaching Artist and Music Specialist
As a private flute instructor, voice coach, and music teacher who directs a local children's choir, Cathy brings the priceless element of musical integration to our Summer Kids' Camps, and runs the studio for us when our regular staff is out during Open Studio hours.
Margaret Probst
Teaching Artist, Specializing in Watercolor & Architecture
As a self-taught watercolor artist with a degree in architecture and skills in leatherwork and woodwork, Margaret brings a new and exciting set of skills to the studio! She teaches our adult watercolor classes and plans on hosting other in-studio workshops such as leathermaking in the future.
Samantha Callahan
A local mom and PTO member, Samantha is responsible for opening the door for the studio to teach art to children at local public schools who otherwise would not have art as part of their curriculum.. When she's not volunteering at schools, she helps us out in the studio whenever we need her, and we lovingly refer to her as the Chaos Coordinator and/or Ambassador of Fun. You may run into her during Open Studio hours when our other staff members are out.
