Dave Lynas has been an instructor for more than 15 years and manager of the ceramics studio at the Duluth Art Institute for over a decade.  During that time, he has introduced hundreds of children and adults to the wonders of clay. Dave's history and talents as an illustrator are revealed in the detailed over-glaze decoration on his pottery.  He meticulously paints the scenic treasures of landscapes and structures he finds in our northern landscape on his bisque fired pots, giving a unique identity to each piece.  In addition to tableware, Dave has a great interest in building musical instruments of clay. Whistle flutes, Didjeridos and Udus in whimsical human and animal form are all very playable.  He is also a musician and luthier. 

Dave fostered the idea for and has been one of the organizers of Empty Bowl, a major annual fundraiser to benefit Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth.  He has created well over 1,000 bowls over the many years the event has prospered.