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.
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.
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.
Michele Crosta
Michele is an herbalist and environmental advocate with a deep connection to the natural world. She completed three years of clinical training with renowned herbalist David Winston, an experience that deepened her relationship with plants. Her studies have continued through mentorship with Amanda Crooke of Locust Light Farm and a recent intensive with Margi Flint exploring the diagnostic teachings of William LeSassier.
Now based in Nosara, Costa Rica, Michele tends a tropical garden and is the founder of MotMot Collective, where she creates herbal products rooted in sustainability and plant wisdom.
Cecilia Coronado
Cecilia is an architect with a passion for creating sustainable structures using earth as her primary medium. With a keen eye for innovative design and a deep appreciation for the arts, she seamlessly blends creativity and functionality in her work. Her love for nature and commitment to eco-friendly construction techniques drive her to explore the beauty and versatility of earth-based materials in every project she undertakes⠀⠀⠀
“In the fusion of earth, art and architecture, you find not just a profession, but a soul-stirring expression of your love for both the tangible and the intangible.”
Mariana de la Puente
I am Mariana, the human behind Mujer Numinosa.
I am guided by a deep connection to intuition, to the subtle realms that inhabit us, and to the strength that emerges when we dare to express our authenticity.
I am a poet, a certified yoga teacher, and an Akashic Records practitioner, and I have created the Numinous Route and the "Cuerpos de agua" inmmersion.
Yet beyond titles, I am a woman in constant listening — to the body, to the land, and to the mystery.