BOARD + STAFF

Catharina Goldnau

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 became FUSION's president in 2021 and am delighted to work with such a strong and talented group of people on the FUSION board.

Alison Brannen

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.

Mike Thome

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.

Karen Franzen

I have been a studio potter for 35 years teaching workshops and making pots that celebrate the rituals of daily life. My first FUSION membership was gifted to me some 35 years ago upon graduating from OCAD. I have enjoyed the many opportunities that FUSION had to offer including the first Creative Directions mentorship with Angelo di Petta. In 2020, I joined the board and it has been a real pleasure to work with an amazing team to bring forth opportunities for the clay and glass community. Happy anniversary FUSION and may you continue for another 50 years!

Angelo di Petta

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.

Adeline La

I am the Shop Manager at the Gardiner Shop and have worked with the Gardiner Museum for many years. This year marks a special year for both the Gardiner and FUSION as each celebrate their own milestones. Highlighting the arts, culture, and community FUSION demonstrates, it is a joy to work alongside a passionate, creative, and supportive board.

Danielle Skentzos

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.

Wade Vienneau

I am currently in my third year at Sheridan College but I also attended Haliburton School of The Arts for their foundational ceramics certificate in 2011. I have been a member of the Ottawa Guild of Potters for many years, serving as their librarian for two years and president for one. Intermittent membership with the Gladstone Clayworks Co-Operative helped me to focus some of my practice but it mostly fostered community with a group of wonderful makers. I primarily work towards developing work for the home with my ultimate goal to have my practice and build a wood-fired kiln. Teaching ceramics is something I also love doing and hope to pursue this in the future as well. I like to think of clay as a material that links most of the world and we often find a common form of communication with this familiar material. We come to it honestly and we communicate through it in unique ways.

Amy Bell

I am a potter and instructor based in Ottawa. My work is mainly functional pottery inspired by the beauty and fragility of the environment and the ebbs and flows of domestic life. FUSION has offered me many opportunities including a mentorship, friendships, conferences and co-presenting a workshop with John Britt. I am an active volunteer and am happy to be part of the Board of FUSION.

Nadia Tasci

Nadia Tasci is an established Canadian glass artist and has a full-time studio practice with glass flame-working and silver jewellery fabrication.  Over the course of her career, she has used the medium of glass to express various artistic narratives. She uses unique methods of design to explore the visual dialogue between colour, form and pattern, creating dynamic and engaging contemporary jewellery and sculpture.
Nadia studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design University’s Drawing and Painting program and Sheridan College’s Craft and Design (Glass) program. Nadia as received several awards and grants. Over the last 15 years she has been invited to exhibit her work across Canada, USA, UK and Japan, most notably the Corning Museum of Glass. Presently, she works full-time at her studio in Toronto, Canada.