Our Instructors
Sharon Tabaczka
Sharon Tabaczka, (Mrs. T), owner and operator, is an illustrator and graduate of Kendall College of Art and Design. Teaching art at Forest Hills Public Schools for over 20 years, she has a Masters of Education and Major in Illustration. Mrs. T has instructed all levels 5-18 years old, and adult painting courses. She has a true passion to make the visuals arts accessible for all ages, income levels, and focuses on community building, art, dance, and mindfulness.
Greg Petersen
The award winning environmental educator has been teaching students about nature, stem, and traditional science for over 33 years. He is enthusiastic about teaching children how to love planet earth, become a critical thinker, and how to be a champion at inquiry. He naturally engages students to wonder, observe, and think deeply about the great outdoors. Mr. Petersen enjoys birding, fishing, and hiking, but first and foremost loves teaching children. A walk in the woods with Mr. Petersen will fill your heart with immeasurable peace and wonder.
Jerry Berta
A studio artist since 1975, working in sculpture, ceramics, neon, painting, and collage. His most recent artwork is Digitally Based Art. Currently, Mr. Berta is a retired teacher and artist who continues to create amazing sculptural tiki vessels through the use of 3-D printing. You may recognize a painted car that drives around town. Mr. Berta often lets students paint his car; he refers to it as “Arting It Up!” With his former elementary students he created "United Faces of America" and "I Love My Beautiful Brain!" 2014 ArtPrize entry. He has a very energetic passion for making art with the next generation. And those who know Mr. Berta would have to say, “YOU’VE GOT THIS!”
Melissa Ennis
Melissa Ennis is a Grand Rapids, MI artist, and art teacher. With over ten years of experience teaching kindergarten through eighth grade, Melissa draws energy from her students' interests, working to develop engaging projects that allow for individual growth and personal choice for all students. In addition to teaching, Melissa spends her time creating detailed insect and animal portraits that are contrasted with intricate patterns combining printmaking and drawing techniques.
Alaina Smith
Ms. Smith is a licensed K–12 art teacher and recent graduate of Grand Valley State University. She has taught art at Knapp Forest Elementary and City High Middle School and is passionate about helping students discover the joy of artmaking while learning more about themselves and how they create. Her background is in ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture, and she values thoughtful, hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity and confidence. She has worked at the Grand Valley State University Art Museum and led inclusive, sensory-focused ceramics workshops. Known for her empathy, kindness, and joyful teaching style, Ms. Smith is excited to create meaningful art experiences for artists of all ages at the barn.
Kristy Jorgensen
We are so excited to have Kristy Jorgensen joining us this summer! As a veteran FHPS elementary art teacher with 18 years under her belt, Mrs. J is an expert at turning "what if?" into a masterpiece. Mrs. J loves all forms of art, from messy paints to detailed sketchbook sessions. Outside of the studio, life is just as vibrant, shared with two sons and a very good boy named Astro (the Golden Retriever). Get ready to get creative and let your imagination run wild with Mrs. Jorgensen!
Will Walker
Mr. Walker is an Art Education Student at Grand Valley State University entering his final teacher internship in Fall 2026. His background is in Ceramics, Painting, and Printmaking. He has worked as a teacher apprentice at Knapp Forest Elementary with Ms. T, led multiple inclusive sensory ceramics projects for Grand Valley students with special needs, and has taught children’s ski lessons for many years. Mr. Walker believes that anyone has the ability to make meaningful, beautiful art and is excited to share his passion for art making with students.