Staff Pick: Glassblowing

Daniela Veltri, Breck Create Learning + Engagement Coordinator

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Daniela joined Breck Create in 2023. She was immediately drawn to the welcoming environment and wide variety of creative opportunities.

“I’m very passionate about the arts and our community,” she says. “I think it’s important to have a creative outlet and give new experiences a shot.” 

Among the many classes she’s taken, Beginner Glassblowing tops her list. A community favorite, this class teaches lampworking—using a torch to melt borosilicate glass rods into unique creations.

Daniela fell in love not just with the craft, but with the patience and encouragement of the instructor. She now continues her professional study of glassblowing and teaches classes herself, creating a similarly encouraging environment for her own students.

Staff Pick: Wheel Throwing

Jill Desmond, Senior Director of Programs + Campus Experience 

Jill joined Breck Create in fall 2024, bringing decades of arts leadership experience and a deep love for the Summit County community. Previously, she served for nearly 20 years at the Denver Art Museum, most recently as Chief Exhibition and Collection Services Officer.

Despite her demanding role leading programming at Breck Create, Jill still finds time to unwind in the Ceramic Studio. She also hopes to take the 3D Pen Workshop and Sashiko Mending: Japanese Embroidery Workshop before the semester ends.

Her true passion: wheel throwing. The calm encouragement of her instructor helped her power through what she calls “many mini failures.”

“(Instructor Kia Neill) just made it fun, which gave me confidence to keep trying,” Jill says.

Working with clay is meditative and immersive. After shaping the clay and placing it on the wheel, the rhythmic spinning and tactile process create a grounding, almost trance-like experience. It’s a practice that demands focus and rewards presence.

Pro-tip: wheel throwing can get messy. Wear clothes you don’t mind dirtying, remove jewelry from your hands/wrists, and tie back long hair before sitting down at the wheel.

Jill doesn’t consider herself an artist, but believes deeply in the value of creativity and its power to bring people together.

“Taking a class at Breck Create is such a lovely way to meet new people,” she says.

Staff Pick: Everything!

Emily Carlson, Patron Services Manager

Originally from Minnesota and a former ski school employee, Emily Carlson came in from the cold to join Breck Create nearly three years ago. She loves using her hands to craft everyday items—and when she hears someone say they’re “not creative,” she can’t help but wonder: Have you really tried?

“People always ask if they can buy my sweaters,” she says. “You can’t—but I’ll teach you how to make your own.”

Emily embodies the Breck Create ethos: art enriches our lives and strengthens our community. She believes that if you give creativity a chance, you’ll discover something valuable in the process.