OUR TEACHERS
Amilkar Palacios Salas
Born in the province of Alajuela CR, Amilkar has been dedicated to the craft of pottery and sculpture for about 20 years. He learned about the process of clay and the basics of traditional pottery and rustic methods along with Mario Hernandez Mora, a well known Costa Rican traditional master of pottery. Throughout his creative development, Amilkar has learned from the expertise of many other ceramicists. Ancient art, ceramics, sculptures, symbolism and the forms of nature, are the source of inspiration that fuels his creativity.
Mariana Casaretto
With a passionate dedication to ceramic art, Mariana Casaretto has carved a path of study, creation and teaching. Her deep connection to clay translates into works that are visual dialogues that explore form, texture and color in unique and playful ways.
Over the years, Mariana has cultivated a distinctive voice in the world of ceramics, bringing with her the experience of teaching and sharing knowledge. Cerámica MITTOQUI's artistic journey is a constant voyage of discovery, where each piece is a manifestation of her evolution as an artist.
Raquel Orozco
Raquel Orozco is a multidisciplinary artist working across ceramics, jewelry, and tattooing. She studied Fine Arts with an emphasis in Ceramic Design at the University of Costa Rica, developing a deep connection to material exploration and artistic expression.
Rubén Orozco
Rubén is a Costa Rican musician, multi-instrumentalist and educator for more than 13 years. He studied Music Education and Music with emphasis in Composition at the University of Costa Rica, then he traveled around South America where he conducted workshops, classes and was given the task of collecting songs of different origins.
He currently lives in Nosara and is a music teacher at the Waldorf pedagogy school Casa de las Estrellas, he also works in the Dreamcatcher organization directing a children's choir and is part of several musical projects in the area.
Byron Calderón
Byron’s passion for chess was discovered in high school, but his true passion for the game emerged through teaching. His journey began at the David Kitson Library in Nosara, where he introduced local children to chess, fostering a love for the game that continues to grow. Over the years, his teaching has expanded, allowing him to share the depth and strategy of chess in various settings.
Malka Klein
Malka Klein is an artist, designer, and retreat leader specializing in Hebrew and English calligraphic arts. She works with watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media, often blending calligraphy with expressive strokes and vibrant compositions. Through her workshops and classes, Malka guides others in the creative and meditative practices of both painting and calligraphy—sometimes combining the two to create unique, layered works of art. Her work explores the deep spiritual and aesthetic traditions of Hebrew calligraphy, seamlessly merging timeless beauty with modern design. With a focus on mindfulness and creative expression, Malka fosters a deeper connection to this sacred art form.
Laura Murillo
Laura Murillo is a Costa Rican artist and a National Dance Award winner. Through macramé, she rediscovers the creative potential of her hands, exploring both loom weaving and macramé techniques. Her inspiration in textile art and teaching is deeply connected to the legend of the Spider Grandmother, the relationship between textiles and human biology, and the therapeutic benefits of creating with one's hands—promoting both well-being and knowledge.
Malia Sánchez
Malia is a mixed media artist whose work is shaped by her Mexican-American heritage, time spent abroad, and a background in Environmental and Planetary Studies. Her art weaves together personal history, geology, and natural forms - offering a visual language that’s both intuitive and grounded in herself. Working at the intersection of science and storytelling, she explores themes of community, memory, and place through layered textures and abstract compositions. By merging art and science, Malia aims to make the often intimidating fields more accessible and invite people into conversations they might not expect to have in front of a painting or mixed-media works.
Alonso Salas
I'm Alonso, a Costa Rican artist passionate about art and everything that allows me to express myself creatively. As a self-taught artist, I've explored a variety of techniques over time, including acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, lettering, block printing, and ceramics. Each of these disciplines has not only strengthened my fine motor skills but has also become a powerful tool for personal expression and emotional healing. Creating unique art with intention and meaning is what drives and inspires me every day.