Meet the Teachers

Joanne Stowell

Joanne Stowell has an MFA in Visual Arts from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Although primarily a painter, Joanne works in a variety of mediums including drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and installation art and she enjoys teaching a wide variety of art classes. She has had artwork in several exhibitions both local and nationwide.

Brendan Lehman

Brendan Lehman is a painter, illustrator, and teacher. Though he specializes in oil painting he is well versed in several other mediums. His teaching style is both challenging and liberating with the aim to unlock your creative potential.

Laurel Smith
Laurel Smith had a career in visual development for educational publishing. She now paint and teaches. She has organized and led ArtSpan’s Life Drawing group, and is focused on working with the teen artists at Munroe. She has a BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, teaches and studies locally, and has artwork in private collections.

Emily Passman
Emily Passman is a painter and teacher of painting and drawing in the Boston area. She started her career as an elementary school teacher, then graphic designer, before becoming a full-time painter 20 years ago. Her work is shown both locally and internationally.

Ellie House
Ellie House has a BFA in ceramics from Massachusetts college of art and design and is passionate about continuing her practicing and sharing her clay skills with others.

Carmela Fratus
Carmela Fratus, ArtSpan's ceramic program manager, is a dedicated instructor of adults and children. Her enthusiasm continues to foster a community of clay artists. She encourages an experimental approach to art making in a welcoming and fun environment. When she’s not in the studio, she’s gardening, traveling or roller skating.

Danny Bolton
Danny Bolton is thrilled to be a part of the dynamic program at Munroe Center for the Arts. His work as a Theatre Teaching Artist combines his background in acting, directing and teaching. Danny is on the teaching faculty at Wheelock Family Theatre, Academy of the Company Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre and New Art Center in Newton. The veteran of three national tours, Danny is a graduate of Boston College, a Company Member of Theatre Espresso and a member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1995.