Mar Guzmán
Education
2020 – 2024. School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL – Bachelors in Fine Arts with Emphasis in Ceramics
2016 – 2020. Sebring High School, Sebring, FL – International Baccalaureate Diploma and High school Diploma with distinction
2019. Alfred University, Alfred, NY – Certificate in Ceramic and Glass Engineering
Professional Experience
Pottery Studio 1, Chicago, IL | Head Pottery Instructor | August 2024 – Present
- Designed and led beginner to advanced wheel-throwing and hand building classes for students of all ages and skill levels.
- Developed and maintained structured multi-week course curriculums aligned with studio goals and seasonal programming.
- Supervised and trained a team of instructors in teaching methods, safety protocols, and best studio practices.
- Oversaw daily studio operations including kiln schedules, clay recycling, material inventory, and equipment maintenance, studio safety and cleanliness.
- Consulted with management on studio development, class offerings, and outreach to expand student enrollment and community engagement.
- Fostered an inclusive, creative, and supportive learning environment that emphasized both skill-building and personal artistic growth.
For Your Tired Sol Art, Sebring, FL & Chicago, IL | Independent Artist | December 2017 – Present
- Produced and sold original ceramic works through online and in-person events.
- Managed product design, packaging, building strong interpersonal customer relations, and logistics.
- Oversee the packaging and preparation of products for shipping and transport, ensuring artwork is delivered safely and in excellent condition.
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL | Ceramics Studio Technician Assistant | September 2020 – 2024.
- Skillfully prepared and organized over 90 raw materials for clay and glazes, mixing at least 50-100 lbs of clay or 10,000 grams of glaze during each shift.
- Maintaining an inventory of tools and to meet the needs of the studio.
- Assisted with the firing process, including loading and unloading 3 industrial sized gas kilns and 9 commercial electric kilns, and monitoring firing schedules to achieve desired results.
- Ensured adherence to safety protocols and cleanliness standards within the studio, promoting a healthy and hazard-free environment daily.
- Regularly assessed the quality of student work and studio outputs, providing constructive feedback to enhance artistic growth and craftsmanship for at least 2 classes simultaneously each semester.
- Managed the upkeep of studio equipment and facilities, including kiln maintenance, wheels, and tools, to ensure a safe and efficient working space.