Julia Kuhn is an experienced nonprofit professional with a background working with small NGOs in Southern Africa and, most recently, the Gates Foundation in Seattle. Throughout her career, she has supported organizations in developing and implementing mission-aligned programs while promoting best practices in strategic planning and operational excellence. Julia values collaboration, continuous learning, and building strong interpersonal relationships across all levels of an organization.

Over the past decade, she has worked with and volunteered for nonprofit organizations focused on global equity, environmental and wildlife conservation, and the arts. She considers herself a true generalist—eager to take on new challenges and draw on insights from a broad range of disciplines.

Julia is passionate about fostering inclusive, community-driven spaces and expanding access valuable resources. She brings a strong background in nonprofit strategy, operations, and cross-sector collaboration and is excited to apply these skills in service of Seward Park Clay Studio’s mission. While this will be her first formal board role, she has participated in advisory groups and cross-organizational committees focused on governance and impact.

As a longtime admirer of Seward Park Clay Studio, Julia looks forward each year to attending the Holiday Show and Sale and is thrilled to be enrolled in her first studio class this summer. This won’t be her first experience with ceramics, however. In 2015 and 2016, she was a student at the Barbara Jackson School of Ceramics in Cape Town, South Africa, where she embraced the creative community, develop lifelong friendships, and discovered the therapeutic value of artistic expression.

A true Pacific Northwest native, Julia enjoys skiing, hiking, and exploring the region’s natural beauty. When she’s not on a nearby adventure, she’s likely planning her next international trip. She also enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and taking increasingly shorter walks with her 12-year-old Havanese, Murphy.

Julia holds a B.A. in Business Administration and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, both from the University of Washington.

Jessica O’Brien has practiced architecture with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in Seattle and with Handel Architects in New York City.  She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech.  She has worked on a range of residential and commercial projects including, Seattle City Hall and the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park.  Known for her clean, modern aesthetic, Jessica plans to bring space planning and organizational expertise to the SPCS Board.  Most recently, she designed the newly renovated SPCS Resident Artist’s Loft.  
 
Jessica has over 32 years of clay experience and is grateful to be a Resident Artist in the studio.  She can often be found in the loft constructing hand-built architectural sculptures or throwing refined lidded vessels on the wheel.  She credits the supportive and collaborative culture of the SPCS community in the evolution and refinement of her work.  
   
Jessica is an active and valued member of the SPCS studio.  She contributes to the annual Holiday Show and Sale by organizing, participating in the sale, and supporting operations.  She also helped coordinate the Resident Artist’s outreach event, Clay in the Park, which increased visibility of the studio to the broader community.  She believes in building an equitable and compassionate environment where all can create, learn and grow.  
 
Jessica values the wisdom and generosity of the SPCS instructors, resident artists, and students who have contributed to the studio for decades.  She finds creating in such a positive and giving environment brings inspiration, joy and renewed energy to both her art and soul. 
 
Instagram: JLO_Ceramics