Debbie Tawse - Studio Owner
Debbie is the founder and owner of marmaladeskies. A proud graduate of the University of Texas, Debbie’s B.S. in Advertising prepared her for a career in visual communication. Having worked many years as a camp director, scout leader, birthday party coordinator, event planner, and of course a mother, Debbie finally found a way to combine her creative side with her skill as a teacher and planner. Inspired by the creative projects on HGTV, she quickly mastered the art of mosaic, and in 2006 jumped on the opportunity to create this lively, colorful, open art studio in her own neighborhood. Email Debbie.
Amber Harrison - Studio Manager
Amber's is the smiling face you'll see every time you walk into marmaladeskies. In addition to teaching classes, Amber is also the general studio manager, educational director, and gallery manager. A Tennessee native, Amber earned her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Southern Virginia University. She loves exploring new art mediums and letting her passion for art spread to those around her as they learn together. Amber specializes in figure drawing and multimedia art. She's a strong believer in the therapeutic qualities of the creative experience for the artist and art viewer. See her Portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28940775@N06/. Email Amber.
Olga Hall - Scout Coordinator.
Olga is a Texas native and proud of it! She is a crafter by nature and loves yummy fabrics, cool papers, and dabbles in a little bit of everything else. The proud mother of 2 teenagers, Olga loves teaching younger kiddos at the studio to "reminisce the good ol' days." She taught preschool for 3 years, has been a participating room mom, a dedicated librarian at Redeemer Lutheran School for 5 years, and is now a Girl Scout troop leader and certified counsel trainer. Talk to Olga about scheduling a scout troop or party at the studio. Email Olga.
Art Instructors
Carolyn Somes - Camp Director 
Carolyn recently moved to Austin from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Fine Art. Her specialty is in acrylic painting, but works with a variety of media including printmaking, stop-motion animation, woodworking, and illustration. The most rewarding part of teaching for her is watching a student take their new knowledge and apply it on their own. Most of her teaching experience comes from working as a sailing instructor, and as a trip leader with a backpacking camp in northern Michigan. She enjoys doing freelance work and her portfolio is posted online at www.carolynsomes.com. She also maintains a store on Etsy at the address www.mouseandlion.etsy.com. Carolyn teaches classes during the school year in drawing, painting, printmaking, and more. She is also our camp director for our Magical Mystery Tour Summer Art Camp for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Barbara Paris - Art Club Instructor 
Barbara Has have a BFA in Fine Arts and BA in Education from the University of Massachusetts and is a certified art teacher in the state of Texas . The success of her art classes is due to her connection with young children, her ability to go with the flow, and arming herself with a wide variety of materials and ideas to share. Barbara's classes focus on process not product. When little ones are exposed to intriguing materials and are encouraged to follow their instincts, they can really create beautiful art. Yes, it can be messy, and that's OK. Art is all about experimenting and learning. The process of creating and discovering is a critical part of learning.
Collin Welsch - Pinot Picasso Instructor 
Collin graduated from the University of Texas in 1995 and
the University of Houston Law Center in 1997. After
practicing law for about 7 years and having her two
children, she decided to ditch her traditional career and to
pursue her dream of a career in art. She picked up some
paint brushes, acrylic paints, and stretched canvases
and went to work. Collin says she is thoroughly enjoying her new
profession. Check out her web site at: www.collinwelsch.com.
Randee M. Ketzel - Polymer Clay Instructor
Randee studied Byzantine art and archaeology in Florida before her love of handcraft drove her to become the youngest—and one of the few—women jewelers in the Southeast at the age of 23. After sensibly immigrating to Texas, motherhood obliged her to find less volatile outlets, and she explored various media before finding her ultimate niche in Polymer Clay. She currently creates and teaches classes in the Austin metro area, and is a member both of the National and the Austin Polymer Clay Guilds. Ms. Ketzel makes her home in NW Austin with her charming husband, adorable talented children, and a miniature dachshund.
Schedule a polymer clay party with Randee!
