Peekskill Clay Studios About Us - Peekskill Clay Studios

Our Staff

Jessica Dubin

Director/Instructor

Jessica Dubin has been working in clay for over twenty years. She recieved an undergraduate education at

Bennington College in Vermont and an M.F.A. in Ceramics from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz. Her predominantly

functional work is made of porcelain or stoneware clay and fired in a wood or gas kiln to cone 10.

Ms. Dubin’s work has been included in many exhibitions across the country and has been featured recently in

500 Teapots II, by Lark Books. Her article, In Praise of Incrementalism, was published in the journal Studio Potter.

She lives and works in Peekskill, NY.

Learn more about Jessica. Email Jessica

Jonathan Torres

Instructor/Studio Manager
Jon Torres is originally from Westchester and graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2010 with a degree in Art Education with

a concentration in Ceramics.

He began work with the Peekskill Clay Studios in 2012, and is currently a ceramics instructor and the studio manager.

Jon teaches the Kids N Clay, Teen Wheel, and Intro to Class courses, and runs ceramics workshops out of both the

Peekskill Clay Studios and the Peekskill Middle School.

He has taught ceramics as a Community Outreach Specialist for the Clay Art Center in Port Chester. Through the Clay Art

Center’s Outreach Program, Jon has taught extensive clay programs in the Port Chester, Scarsdale, and Edgemont

public schools, as well as the Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School in Port Chester.

Jon also works with the Pelham Art Center, teaching children's ceramics courses as well as outreach

programs with the Office for the Aging in New Rochelle.

Learn More about Jon. Email Jon

Ben Green

President

After graduating from Skidmore College with a BA, Ben spent his early career as a singer songwriter signed with

EMI publishing and SBK Records (Subsidiary of EMI). Ben released a solo record on Artemis Records in 2002 yielding a top 30 hit- Two To One.

His songs have been featured in different mediums including TV and film. Other creative projects include writing and directing a short film,

Pipe Dreams that was featured at film festivals internationally winning the SOHO International Film Festivals, “Best Short Film” in 2011.

In 1997 Ben took stewardship of the Peekskill Hat Factory (est. 1882). Having once manufactured hats, the historic buildings had been

converted to a mixed-use commercial industrial complex in the 1950’s. After a sustained campaign of improvements and modernization,

the Hat Factory now boast one of the region’s most dynamic tenants mixes - from cabinet makers to fine artists, yoga center,

industrial, high tech, multimedia and the Peekskill Clay Studios which Ben founded in 2010.

Email Ben

Francesca Beghe Green

Program Director

After attending the University of Chicago, Francesca began her career as a singer songwriter playing the clubs of New York City.

She was signed to EMI Music Publishing where she remained for 20 years. After being signed to EMI Records Group as a solo artist

she toured the US and Canada playing stadiums and arenas making many TV appearances, including The Tonight Show, and being

chosen VH1 Artist of the Month. Her song “Trust in Me“ was recorded by Joe Cocker and is featured on the soundtrack album and

movie “The Bodyguard.” Her song “No Use Talkin’” was recorded by Irma Thomas and featured in the movie “Double Jeopardy.”

Francesca wrote and recorded the album “Dreamworld” released in 2006. She continues to make music every day…

Working in the music business has provided Francesca with experience in marketing, management and event planning.

As the Program Director at the PCS, Francesca created and continues to develop and manage the class schedule.

Her focus has been on education, community and fun!

Email Francesca.

Christine Williamson White

Studio Assistant
Christine is an actor and a ceramic artist having graduated from Ithaca college with a BFA in Theater.

Working for over 25 years as a professional actor, Christine's passion for art and the creative process transcends

both genre and medium.

Jon Townley

Instructor

Jon began throwing pots in high school and received his BFA in ceramics from Ohio State University, where he developed an understanding of form and technique through studying the Japanese ceramics traditions. Soon after graduating from OSU, Jon established a production studio where he focused o making anf selling functional work. Since 2008 Jon has maintained his studio in Katonah, new York, developing an original body of functional, decorative and sculptural ceramics using the techniques of throwing and altering, coil construction, innovative slab forming, and carving from solid clay. Jon has taught in-person and virtual classed for the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY, as well as workshops for Alison Palmer Studios in Kent, CT, and Peekskill Clay Studios.

Our Classes

We offer a variety of beginner and intermediary classes. Visit our class page below:

Our Classes

Contact Us

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Our Events

Visit one of our events. For more information, visit our events page.

Our Events