Episode 6 – Jennifer Allen and Maia Leppo

April 01, 2021

Episode 06 – Jennifer Allen and Maia Leppo

In our first episode with not just one, but two guests, I talk with ceramist Jen Allen and metals artist and jeweler Maia Leppo. Jen and Maia have collaborated as artists and educators, having co-taught a ceramics jewelry workshop at Arrowmont. We talk about that collaboration, but also how important life and creative transitions can be. Visit both Jen and Maia’s websites at https://www.jenniferallenceramics.com/ and http://www.maialeppo.com/ respectively.

Jennifer Allen

Jennifer Allen - mug

Jen Allen & Maia Leppo: SA Brooch

Maia Leppo - Necklace

Maia Leppo

Jennifer Allen lives in Morgantown, West Virginia where she operates a home studio and teaches Ceramic classes at West Virginia University. She received a BFA from the University of Alaska and an MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington. She worked as a production assistant to Kris Bliss at Bliss Pottery in Anchorage, Alaska. In March 2008, the National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts recognized Allen as an Emerging Artist. She is also the recipient of the 2006-2007 Taunt Fellowship at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana.

Jen Allen

Maia Leppo operates her studio at the Brew House Association on the south side of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Tufts University with a BA in Biology and Community Health and received an MFA from SUNY New Paltz. Leppo received additional training in jewelry and metals from various craft schools including Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Pocosin Arts, Penland School of Craft and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.