About the Artist

Bethany Pelle is a ceramist and community artist based in Kentucky. Her work combines handcrafted clay art with projects designed to bring people together. She creates spaces where neighbors can learn from one another, explore difficult topics like trust and care, and imagine a better future together.

Bethany believes that everyone has valuable knowledge to share. Through workshops, classes, and public events, she helps artists and community members collaborate on ethical and meaningful projects. Her installations and art objects have been shown in cities including Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati, inviting audiences to reflect on their own lives and communities.

As an educator, Bethany has taught at Northern Kentucky University, Pratt Institute, and Tyler School of Art. She has also shared her technical skills with professional studios like Tom Sachs Studio and 92 NY. Her work is supported by grants from organizations such as the Kentucky Foundation for Women, Alternate Roots, and People’s Liberty.

Beyond art, Bethany is trained as a mental health peer support specialist and a trauma-sensitive mindfulness facilitator. This background allows her to approach her art with a deep focus on emotional well-being and care for others. She holds a Master’s degree (MFA) and a Bachelor’s degree (BFA) in Ceramics.

In Kentucky, she is an active member of the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange and helped found Kyndred Collective, a group dedicated to supporting neurodivergent creators. As a current Wave Pool Incubator Artist Fellow, she is developing "Kyndred Clay," a new project designed to further grow inclusive, community-driven ceramics practices in Northern Kentucky.