Who We Are
We are a community based program. All of our instructors are artists themselves. They are locally based and love working with children and art.
Founder - Monique Rutherford
I am passionate about bringing clay to children and believe that all kids should have the opportunity to make art, regardless of socioeconomic status. Creating art helps kids develop a growth mindset by learning that “mistakes” can be reworked and reshaped again. Art has the power to reduce anxiety, awaken creativity, foster socialization and heal from trauma. I developed this program to help kids get out of their heads, to offer them a break from being told what to do and how to do it, to offer kids the opportunity to think for themselves and create in ways that are meaningful to them.
"Ian is patient, encouraging, and able to adapt his teaching style to suit students of all skill levels.
Ian fosters a creative, supportive environment where learners feel free to experiment and express themselves. Ian is an amazing individual and we are happy to him at Loma’s Encore Program."
Eduardo Barragan, VCUSD Site Director
Solano College, Suisun CA
Ian enjoys guiding his students when they want to make something for a family member, friend or themselves. He loves the pure joy he sees in their faces when their project comes together. Some of his students are going through hard times and it warms his heart knowing that they see his classroom as a way to lift that weight off their chest, even if it’s just for an hour.
Ian Mayhew
Sophia Hoggatt
San Francisco State University
A strong advocate for children in the arts, Sophia’s brings her knowledge, experience and passion along with her infectious sense of humor into the classroom making her an invaluable addition to our program.
Muna Halabi
Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan, MFA
Muna’s strong passion for working with children stems from her own understanding and work as an artist. She brings of the wonder and joy of clay to our kids by encouraging them to explore and discover their uniqueness through clay.
Roxanne Herrera
UEI College—Fresno, CA
Roxanne is a muralist, sculptor and youth advocate. She has a strong background in bringing art, sports and wellness activities to children. Roxanne likes to include a brief meditation session before her class begins to help kids settle after a long day at school. Her love for children and the arts shines in the way she brings clay to children and that makes her an excellent addition to our team.
Colleen Sidey
HSU, Humboldt, CA
Colleen is a professional Youth and Adults arts educator with over 15 years of expertise in ceramics, sculpture, drawing and painting. Colleen is an artist whose sculptures have received numerous awards and is featured in galleries, colleges and at the John Michael Kohler Art Center; she exhibits throughout the United States.
Colleen’s love for kids is plain to see once you see how children light up when walking into her class! We are very pleased that she’s joined us in bringing art back into our public schools!
Escuela De Comunicación Grafica
Karla is a designer and artist who loves working with her hands—crochet, clay, and anything that lets her slow down and connect with my own process. Karla truly believe we’re all artists in our own way, and that creativity looks different for everyone. Teaching kids has become such a joyful part of her practice. Their curiosity, honesty, and playfulness keep her inspired. She loves how they learn from each other while they explore and express themselves through art.
Karla L.
Ellie Dumbrique
California State University of Long Beach
As a fiber artist and small crochet business owner, Ellie loves sharing crochet with everyone of all ages, no matter their background. Through crochet, kids can show off their creativity, build confidence, and promote emotional well-being. Each stitch teaches patience and shows kids that mistakes are a part of the journey. It's okay to "frog" something and start over. Her mission is to create a safe and fun space, where kids can be themselves, connect, and heal through the art of crochet.
Symone Butler
CSU Fullerton and SCC
Symone's love for ceramics began in high school, where she discovered her talent for shaping clay into unique, expressive pieces. Her journey with pottery has since blossomed into a passion for teaching, where she enjoys helping others explore their own creativity. Symone finds relaxation and peace of mind when working with clay. She brings this calming and joyful energy into the classroom, making every lesson an engaging and hands-on experience.
Iris Mayhew
Enrichment Tutor
A Mom and artist herself, Iris understands the importance of art in the lives of young children and brings that passion along with her own experience into our program.
Irene Thwaites
Academy of Art University, San Francisco
Irene works to create community though the arts. She loves working with kids, offering them opportunities to explore new horizons and introducing them to the endless possibilities of art through clay. Irene often volunteers her time working with children at her local church and likes to spend time with other children and artists at the Richmond Art Center in Richmond, CA.