Emily Bacon
Owner & Lead Art Teacher
Emily is a credentialed teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education and 16 years of teaching experience. She is passionate about fostering creativity and confidence through art, so don’t be surprised if your child’s art doesn’t look like the sample. She has a 7-year old daughter, Harlow, who is her inspiration behind the business.
Tara Gamel
Lead Art Teacher and Tutor
Tara is an experienced elementary art teacher with over 12 years of classroom experience and professional art training. As our Lead Art Teacher and Tutor, she encourages students to explore, experiment, and build confidence in their creativity, guiding them on unique artistic journeys in every session.
Kate Del Sandro
Lead Art Teacher & Curriculum Specialist
Kate has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She has worked in various schools, implementing a choice-based curriculum that encouraged creativity as well as curriculum that focused on early western art history and AP courses in drawing and two-dimensional design. You will most likely see Kate at our art camps and Kitty Pause events.
Sarah Stubblefield
Lead Art Teacher, School Programs
Sarah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership. She is a mom of 6 and loves making art with her family. You will see Sarah teaching some of our school programs and homeschool classes.
Liz Morris
Lead Drawing Instructor & Tutor
Liz has a strong foundation is fine arts and years of experience working with children. She has completed advanced drawing coursework at Phoenix College and is skilled at making drawing accessible and fun for kids. You will see Liz leading our drawing classes.
Megan Smith
Lead Art Teacher
Megan is a credentialed art teacher with Gilbert Public Schools and a freelance photographer. She sees art as a way to explore emotions, ignite ideas, and connect with the world. You will see Megan leading our weekend classes and paint parties.
Jessie Brendemuhl
Lead Art Teacher & Adult Paint Party Coordinator
Art has played a significant role in Jessie life, and she is passionate about sharing that joy with others. She is a school administrator and the owner of NeuroHappy Art. She leads our adult painting classes and brings education, creativity, and fun to every workshop.
Kaylee Petersen
Art Assistant
Kaylee is a Mechanical Systems Engineering student at Arizona State University. She loves art, especially wood working, and helping kids be creative. You will see Kaylee helping with art events and weekend classes.
Mikayla Shupp
Art Assistant
Mikayla is a 3rd grade teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education from The University of Tennessee. She is a dedicated educator with a passion for the arts and promoting creativity. You will see Mikalya helping with our camps and weekend classes.
Lacey Stubblefield
Art Assistant
Lacey is a junior in high school with a 4.1 GPA. She enjoys theater, pottery, arts & crafts, and scrapbooking. She is excited to join the Hot Potato team as an art assistant. You will see Lacey helping in our classes and with our birthday parties.