Meet Kirsten Saunders
Kirsten Saunders began working with clay in college in 1982 and was hooked right away. Though her B.A. is in Psychology/Sociology, she took many fine art classes and workshops through the years to hone her skills and develop her own style. She taught children’s art classes while raising her own children, and still enjoys teaching occasionally and experiencing children’s playfulness and discovery.
See Kirsten’s art on display at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods August 30 – September 27, 2025.
Kirsten’s Artist Statement
Kirsten is most inspired by her ever changing garden, whimsy, and her love of nature and its amazing creatures. Each piece is one of a kind, created in her home studio in Gurnee, Illinois. Working mostly with Terra Cotta clay, pieces are wheel thrown, hand built, or a construction of both. Her mosaics are a blend of crockery, her own pottery, glass and other enticing items.
Image: Loving Hands, by Kirsten Saunders
Media: Pottery
Artist of the Month Events
August 30
10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free
Open Art Workshop with Kirsten Saunders
Open Art Workshop is open to anyone who wants to make something in any area of visual arts and crafts, from the experienced artist looking for a community of others to work with, to the complete novice who just wants to try something out in a low pressure environment, or the family looking for a fun kids’ activity to fill their afternoon – this workshop is for you!
September 17
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $20
Create & Sip – Clay Ornaments
Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Image: An monarch butterfly ornament by Kirsten Saunders
Media: Pottery
