Canning Arts Group runs a variety of different classes and has a group of talented individuals
tutoring various arts and craft courses here
Pottery Tutors
REBECCA TESTER
Adult's Pottery
Rebecca is Canning Art’s Group Pottery and Kiln Manager and currently teaches all levels of ceramics.
Rebecca has always been creative and her fine art studies introduced her to clay in 1980s. After building a home, traveling and having a family she has returned to her love of clay and is passionate to share with others.
She enjoys making vessels, creating unique sculptures and throwing wide feature bowls. Rebecca is always exploring with new decoration and glaze techniques to express herself and chooses what to apply to what vessel to enhance the finished piece.
CHRIS ELLIOTT
Adult's Pottery
Chris completed her technical training with 2 years Studio Pottery at Kalgoorlie College with Bela Kotai. She became involved with teaching in schools throughout WA with the visual art foundation and teaching adults and children at CAG.
Chris spent 6 months potting – teaching workshops as a Member of South Australia Studio Potters in Adelaide. Along the way, Chris has taught pottery to juvenile offenders at Marin County Special School in the U.S.A., at Selby Street Quadriplegics, to juvenile offenders in Banksia Prison, the Institute for the Blind and various classes for the Disabled here at CAG.
Chris is experienced in Raku, Pit, Gas, Electric and Salt Firing and has many years experience in all aspects of pottery.
MELISSA ELLERO
Adult and Children's Pottery
Melissa Ellero is a passionate ceramicist that started potting at ANU-School of Art in Canberra in her early 20’s. Trained in traditional, contemporary, and production practices in formal and studio settings, Mel has studied under traditional and master potters (Western and Japanese). Since relocating to Western Australia, Mel has continued her practice and professional development with advanced study under master potters Greg Crowe, Warrick Palmateer, and Bela Kotai. Mel is inspired by the natural raw beauty of Western Australia and the subtlety of repetition and evolving form. Working from her home studio in Stoneville she continues to engage with the wider ceramics community and teaching institutions, expanding her private practice to commission based projects, and wholesales her functional wares. She has exhibited in various group and invited exhibitions. She works in a range of medium with a broad knowledge of diverse practices within the arts, crafts & design – primarily in ceramics. Melissa is a devoted mother to two primary school aged children who continue to inspire and teach her about the transformative power of education and creative expression.
SARA MORTON
Adult and Children's Pottery
I’m originally from South Africa, where I began my journey with clay over 20 years ago, learning from a variety of ceramic teachers who helped shape my skills and creative approach. Over time, my passion for pottery grew into a dedicated practice, and three years ago I took the step into a commercial venture. Since then, I’ve been actively involved in the market scene, regularly showcasing and selling my handmade work. I’m also committed to continually refining my craft, regularly attending workshops to enhance my techniques and deepen my knowledge of ceramics. My pieces are inspired by a love of functional, everyday ceramics, with each one reflecting both experience and individuality.
Art Tutors
REBECCA BERIS
Adult and Children's Art - Watercolour, Acrylics and Drawing
Rebecca Beris is a visual artist whose work explores the inner landscapes of perception and emotion. With a Master’s in Visual Arts, she creates evocative pieces that invite reflection and connection. Rebecca also teaches inclusive art classes that inspire creativity and confidence.
JANE LI
Adult's Art - Watercolour
An international artist based in Perth, Western Australia, she has studied Chinese art for years and developed a passion for painting Australia's native flora and fauna since migrating in 2014. A volunteer guide at Kings Park since 2015, her deep botanical knowledge enriches her work with life and storytelling. Her travels across Australia continue to inspire and refresh her artistic vision.
PETA ZELLER
Adults's Art - Acrylic
Peta Zeller is an award winning, Perth based, gallery represented, professional artist, working with multiple media.
Peta has been painting since 2009, in Oils and Acrylics singularly, and more recently with Mixed media creating both representational and abstract artworks.
Teaching painting has become an integral part of Peta’s painting practice and she loves seeing “Newbies” develop their own personal style and love of being creative.
MICHELLE CULNANE
Children's Art and Art of Person with a Disability
Michelle Culnane’s love of art developed after she won the Year 12 Art Award. She then went on to Complete a Diploma in Art and Design at Central Tafe. After completing her studies, Michelle was invited to teach at Tafe and enjoyed her teaching time there.
She has completed various design works on commission and participated in exhibitions at the Crafts Council of Western Australia, Perth Galleries and other private galleries.
Michelle has been teaching at the Canning Art Centre for several years and says that teaching art is the most fulfilling and rewarding role she has ever done. Michelle has taken many other drawing and craft classes to keep things fresh and interesting. She believes this is how we keep motivated and pass on new and exciting ideas to the students.
MIGARA RAMANAYAKE
Children's Art
From an early age Migara had a strong ambition to draw and paint. He continued to draw throughout his early childhood then went on study fine art. He completed a BA of Fine Art at Curtin University Western Australia.
Migara uses pencils, coloured pencils and charcoal to create his realistic drawings.
TIM WILSON
Children's Art
Tim Wilson was born in Margaret River, W.A. He has a B.A. in Fine Art (1989) and has been a qualified art teacher for 15 years.
Tim is an award-winning pastel artist who has recently begun teaching to adults.
He taught numerous children's classes as well in the art of cartooning since 1997, at P.E.A.C or community centres.
As an artist participating in the pub blackboard art craze in the 1990s, he has a special love for this medium.
Are You Interested in Teaching Art?
CAG is always on the lookout for people who are wanting to teach art classes - both term classes for
Adults and Children and during the school holidays.
We are always interested in different disciplines and mediums - not just painting and pottery!
If you are interested in teaching, please contact the Coordinator