MEET OUR STAFF
Sharon Kaufman
Pottery Studio Director/
Summer Camp Creation Full Day Camp Head Teacher
VCA’s Director, "Miss Sharon", has been teaching art for 32 years. Her personal love is the pottery wheel, with clay sculpture coming in a close second. Her philosophy of, "not doing the work for the children, but showing them on her own sculptural work", is the trait that has made her trusted and beloved by her 100's of students over the years. Sharon is a 13 cancer survivor.
Sharon and Jayson developed
Village Center for the Arts in 2000, when Sharon joined the staff of VCA shortly after it's inception as a drama program.
Sharon is also the founder of the popular Danbury program, Escape to the Arts, which she created in 1990 and ran for 10 years, when she released the program to the YMCA.
Jayson Roberts
Executive Director
Co-founder and Studio Director, Jayson Roberts, excels in oil painting, and as the wood-building instructor. He enjoys the mechanics of all the arts and has developed a love for clay hand-building.
Jayson spends hours training and developing the volunteers into the world's best workers, and is responsible for the success of many of our young people's ability to function well in society.
Jayson is the founder of VCA, in late 2000, as a drama program for his beloved daughters, Jennafer and Megan.
Weeks into it's inception, Jayson brought in Sharon, and together they built VCA into the thriving, exciting nonprofit art center it is today.
Joe DiGuiseppi
Instructor/ Video Game Camp Instructor
Board Member
Professional Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Cartoonist, and Educator.
Joe's artwork ranges from Science Fiction, Fantasy, to Realism & Surrealism.
In addition to teaching at Village Center for the Arts, and as an Public school art teacher
he also works as a freelance Illustrator / Artist for hire.
Joe is an artist local to Danbury, CT with a portfolio of clients and projects ranging from marketing, publishing and large scale murals. He has many large murals in the historic downtown Danbury, and in a number of area restaurants. Working with community organizations and private business owners Joe has helped to transform many walls into works of art. His work can be viewed at www.joedigspi.com and also at www.diguiseppi.com"
Dianne Collentine
Studio Assistant/Social Media
With 9 years of experience at Village Center for the Arts, Dianne plays a pivotal role in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where creativity thrives. As the center’s social media manager, with a background in graphics, she has created and built an engaging online presence, keeping the community informed and inspired.
In addition to overseeing the Open Studio program, Dianne is always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and assist customers with their art projects. Dianne also helps run the Open Studio program, answers calls, and provides customer support. Whether helping a beginner or an experienced artist, she combines professionalism with a personal, friendly touch to ensure a positive experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Dianne enjoys painting, writing and the outdoors. Her hobbies are reading and learning photoshop when she has time.
Elizabeth Hill
Oil Painting Instructor
Elizabeth received her BFA from SUNY Purchase and her MFA from Bard College. She also studied visual art and music at Bennington College, with additional training at Wooster Community Art Center and The Art Student’s League in New York. She has taught painting and drawing at Wooster Community Art Center, New Milford Public Schools, and privately in her studio. She was also the Arts Coordinator for Peace Pals at the World Peace Prayer Society in Amenia, NY. Elizabeth is currently represented by the New Arts Gallery in Litchfield, CT. Samples of her work can be viewed on her website Elizabeth Seewald Hill
Andrea Rios
Pottery Wheel and
After School Instructor
Andrea is our newest teacher at VCA.
She is a skilled experienced teacher with an extensive background.
She has a B.A and M.F.A in Illustration from Western Connecticut.
She has experience in teaching after school art, middle school, and adult classes.
3 years teaching pottery wheel, anime, acrylic painting, world cultures art, and mixed media. She taught in many collages and schools.
We are so happy to have her as part of our team!
Claire Qiu
Pottery Instructor
Claire Qiu is a visual artist who has obtained her art educations in New York City and Florence, Italy. She currently lives and runs her own studio business in Sherman CT. She specializes in realism oil paintings portraying people, places and objects that are dear to her heart.
In recent years, Claire has ventured into the fascinating field of ceramics. She makes both functional and decorative pieces which explore form, color and texture. Utilizing both wheel throwing and hand building techniques, she lets her own creative free spirit take her further into the intoxicating alchemy of pottery.
Elisabeth Pfaff
Pottery Studio
Assistant
Hardworking and diligent Elisabeth Pfaff has been a grateful student of VCA since middle school. Thanks to the nurturing of VCA staff she even managed to claw her way into a national pottery competition. Forever grateful to VCA, Elisabeth persistently keeps the pottery studio tidy, organized, helps out with classes, and greets anyone and everyone who walks in with a smile.
Roberta Baker
Artist/Volunteer
Cherished VCA volunteer and featured artist Roberta puts a smile on every face in the studio whenever she stops by. With her sharp wit and ever-helpful hand, Roberta never fails to make those around her feel seen, heard, and loved. Outside of VCA, you can catch her teaching art with New Milford Parks & Rec. Be sure to take a peek at her handcrafted jewelry in the glass case!
Kaylie Rich
Studio Assistant
Sweet and bubbly VCA studio hand Kaylie welcomes everyone who enters the studio with warmth and grace. With two years of experience here now under her belt, she diligently helps to keep the studio tidy and organized. While Kaylie is currently studying radiological technology at Naugatuck Community College, VCA is thankful to be able to enjoy her creative side!
Leslie joined us in 2022 after relocating from New York City to New Milford, CT. She brings a warm, friendly energy and a passion for helping others achieve their creative goals.
Leslie has developed a deep love for pottery through classes and hands-on experience. She enjoys spending time in both the main studio and pottery studio, where she assists with everything from studio maintenance to guiding others in their craft. Her enthusiasm for the arts extends beyond the studio — she has dedicated over 500 volunteer hours to VCA, assisting with a variety of full-day summer camps, helping campers explore and express their creativity.
Leslie is always eager to lend a hand, offering guidance and encouragement to help you bring your artistic vision to life. We’re thrilled to have her as part of our team, and we know you’ll enjoy working with her just as much as we do!​
Leslie Bohorquez
Studio Assistant
Willow Glynn
Full-Day Camp Second Teacher
Willow has attended classes since her youth. Known for her kindness and thoughtfulness, she exudes a sense of tranquility through her creativity. She not only excels as a secondary teacher but also showcases her talent in pottery. Her passion lies in working on the pottery wheel and participating in Renaissance Fairs, while the rest of the time she focuses on her studies in college.