The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning — Attraction in Georgia

I took ceramics in 2022 and tried to contact HR as to why I will never go back! I took a class with Yesha Panchas. At this point I had been taking ceramics for 15 years and was learning things from Yesha. She is a friendly, lovely teacher. My issue is with Connie Norman! I emails Ayesha about my encounter with Connie and what a horrible person she was and probably still is. I have the original email with Yeaha’s response if anyone needs validation.

My email to Yesha the next day. “I wanted to say your a great teacher and very nice. I signed up for hand building today to fill out the slips of paper and put my glazed work on the shelf. There were two bowls I chipped and was dipping the rim in glaze. Connie was upset and said I could not be in the glaze area. I asked if I could trim. She yelled “No! because there was a class.” There was two ladies in the whole room. I understand these are the rules. I am not sure why Connie is so upset. That was no reason to yell at me. I asked before I did anything. I will try to not come on the open lab days anymore and just get these things done.

The second time was horrible. I ended up staying over 15 minutes after open lab. She came in a yelled at me and two other students. I apologized and got my things quickly and shoved them on my shelf and wiped down the table. She came in 1 minutes later yelling again for us to get out and she sent an email for everyone to get out on time. I told her I got no email. She said she would check. There was a student that did not speak very much English and left crying. I saw her outside. She told me she left her phone and keys inside because she was scared after she got yelled at. I felt bad and kicked the door till it opened and told them to let her in to get her phone and keys. The girl went in. Connie said later that some people never received the email but did not apologize!

She is the reason I will not be coming back. She was nice when I asked questions in her office. But in open lab she seems upset and yelling. This is the third time she is yelling at me. I make sure to be respectful and ask. I have not raised my voice at her at all. So I am not sure why she is yelling at me. I am not sure if she is stressed out or has other issues in her personal life. But I would expect to be treated with the same respect that is given. I wanted to mention it to you. I was looking forward to register for next session. But now I am not sure I will and will look for another place to take ceramics.

I signed up for the afternoon lab and will dive home and come back in two hours to fill out the slips.

Have a good day. “

Connie ruined the place that was happy and creative for me. I was driving 45 each way to go to class. And did not her acting like a spoiled brat and having a temper tantrum at me several times. So done and will...

Hudgens Center for Art and Learning is a hidden gem of a place where there is something for everyone, young or agelessly young at heart and art. Those of us who have been taking classes here for many, many years came for the lessons and stayed for the feeling of belonging, while realizing our dreams of being creative. There is just something about Hudgens that always feels like coming home with its comfortable studios and welcoming staff. Seeing new students come and be welcomed into the fold and witnessing their excitement as their skill levels grow makes all of us feel good to be there. It is not accidental that we call it Our Happy Place. We encourage each other. One of the qualities that distinguishes Hudgens as a place that nurtures its students is its staff. The staff makes running a non profit like Hudgens look so much easier than it is. They balance a multiplicity of duties and responsibilities, but no matter how demanding their own work is, they always have time to take a moment to be helpful to the students, who range in age from preschool to, well, let' s just say "very seasoned." Laura Ballance is our much appreciated and kind-hearted Director. Connie Norman is our Director of Education and Outreach, but to us she is the "Ask Connie, she'll know go-to" person who always does know or offers to find out. Cricket Elliott is our business operations manager whose bright smile and engaging personality brightens any hallway she travels down. Our lovely Kate Driscoll manages the bountiful gift shop and gallery shows. Yesha Panchal is our intrepid Ceramics Studio Manager who makes sure that everyone has what they need to be successful, keeps our kilns running, and leads a team of hard working, well-trained studio assistants. We also know she does so much more than that, not to mention that she is a gifted artist herself, who has been recognized by and featured in Ceramics Monthly, a national clay publication. She, too, teaches and answers questions that she must have answered a thousand times already but always is kind and thoughtful of the people who surround her. And the teachers are, well, the heart of what makes students want to learn and return. They are giving and generous with their time and care. Joyce Blair Reese and Pam Kohler-Camp are two of my favorites, but every teacher there works hard to ensure that their students have a good experience. Terry Howe’s hard work makes it possible to have routine raku firings that otherwise might not be available. Like any family, Hudgens makes every penny count and is a shining example of what community means. Thank you, Hudgens, for...

As an avid art lover, I couldn't resist visiting the Hudgens Center for the Arts -- and I'm so glad I didn't put it off. This is so much more than a museum. It's a non-profit center dedicated to spreading the love of art and learning throughout the Greater Atlanta area, offering fine art exhibitions, enrichment classes, self-guided tours, and community programs that inspire imagination in toddlers, children, and adults alike. What really stood out to me was the sculpture garden. Many of the pieces are created from scrap metal, which gives them a raw, fascinating edge. I was especially moved by one that blended natural beauty with commentary on humanity's impact on the environment. The garden even doubles as a wildlife sanctuary, creating a rare and peaceful harmony between art and nature. Another unique feature was the interactive voting system -- visitors can scan a QR code and vote for their favorite artist on display. It made the experience feel personal and engaging, like being part of a creative community. Overall, the Hudgens Center is not just a place to admire art but a space to connect with it. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a parent looking for enrichment opportunities for your kids, or someone simply seeking inspiration, this hidden gem is worth the trip. Highly...