Meet our Teachers
Felicia Cinquegrana Puckett
I received my BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a concentration in metal work and ceramics. I received my Masters of Art in Teaching from Rhode Island School of Design with a K-12 teaching certification. My passion is working with high need, and underserved populations, teaching the benefits of cultivating a creative practice in our lives.
I am a jeweler, sculptor and painter and Sound Therapy Practitioner. My work revolves around the natural world and our connection to it. My intention is to create work that connects the viewer or wearer to that part of themselves that is part of the whole, part of nature. This concept is reflected in my teaching. Technical skills and techniques are only part of being an artist, creating space for students to understand their practice as an outlet for self expression, meditation, and a coping mechanism is just as important. I can’t wait to share my art knowledge and this magical land with you!
See some of my personal work at www.FeliciaGraceDesigns.com
John Puckett
When I was a child my father built a Trimaran in our backyard. When he completed it, the whole family moved aboard and spent several years cruising the east coast and the Caribbean living full time on the boat. I got my captains license at 19 and began crewing on deliveries and working as a captain in the US Virgin Islands. I have spent the majority of my life living on and sailing boats of all kinds, from traditional square rigged tall ships, to modern high performance multihulls. I ran a small nonprofit sailing school on Block Island, R.I. with my sister where we taught maritime skills and marine biology.
I graduated from the International Yacht Restoration Schools wooden boatbuilding program. My career since has been in boatbuilding and restoration at several yards in midcoast Maine including French and Webb, Northeast Boat, and Belmont Boatworks. I have been involved in a wide variety of projects ranging from traditional carvel planked and lap strake replicas, to modern cold molded vacuum bagged designs. My personal passion is in small to medium size working craft. I have always had an affinity for boats that have designs which evolved to serve a specific purpose.
I believe my upbringing has given me a broad perspective on the boating industry as a whole. My goal is to share that perspective with people who want to learn about the history, the current practical application, and the future possibilities of wooden boatbuilding. I belive that with thoughtful design and creative use of sustainable materials wooden boatbuilding has a bright future.