Our Team
Michael Kujawa
Learning to throw at the age of five, Kujawa witnessed his father establish a ceramics program in the Butte public schools during the 1970s and 1980s. Following his graduation from Butte High, Kujawa enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves before pursuing studies in Physical Science and Education at Montana State University in Bozeman. It was during his time in Bozeman that Kujawa reignited his interest in art at the MSU ceramics studio, leading him to add an art minor to his academic pursuits. He later obtained an M.S. in Art and Education from MSU.
In 1995, Kujawa returned to Butte to teach PreChem/PrePhysics and Art at Butte High, eventually becoming department chair and continuing the ceramics program established by his father. Since then, Kujawa has been actively engaged in Butte’s art community. In 2002, he and his father opened Copper Creek Studio, where they continue to showcase and sell their pottery.
In 2016, Kujawa was named Potter Laurate for the state of Montana, recognizing his contributions to the art of pottery. After 27 years in the classroom, he retired from teaching in the spring of 2022 and opened the doors of Hungry Hill in October of that same year.
In addition to directing Hungry Hill’s daily operations and guiding its development, Kujawa remains dedicated to various community endeavors. He currently serves as the vice-chair of the Butte SARTA Board, as well as a member of the Butte School Board. He is an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and he continues to serve as a key coordinator of the Empty Bowls Project.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors was assembled in April 2022. The board is led by Chair, Phil Telling, ViceChair Heather Woods, Secretary Diana Kujawa, and Treasurer Sara Biegel. Additional membersof the board include A.M. Kujawa, William Daily, Shannon Moyle, and Kathy Griffith.
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Hungry Hill Leadership
Phil Telling - Chair
A semi-retired Master Electrician, Phil spent many years working in the electrical utility industry. His primary focus was on transmission and electrical generating equipment. Now, as the owner of P-TEL Electrical Consulting LLC, Phil’s expertise and years of experience are helping to guide the development of the art center facilities and ensure that the infrastructure for the equipment is safe and efficient.
When not consulting or volunteering, Phil enjoys skiing and other outdoor activities. He is the past president and active member of the Butte Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and he also serves as a World Museum of Mining board member.
Heather Woods - Vice President
Born and raised in Butte, Heather lived in multiple cities in Montana and a few out of state before returning home. Heather’s interests led her to employment with Triple S Building Center where she has worked for the last 10+ years. She brings her knowledge of building materials and structural design to the art center development process.
Heather’s adventures in pottery began in high school and followed through college. She has continued to work in the medium for the past 30 years.
Sara Biegel - Treasurer
Born in Montana, but raised abroad (Guam), Sara worked as an Ultrasound Tech at St. James Hospital in Butte for 18 years before moving to the Anaconda Community Hospital. While she has always loved clay, she took a beginner-level pottery class in 2010 and has been hooked ever since. Sara co-founded and co-managed a private pottery studio and taught pottery classes for four years prior to joining Hungry Hill’s board. She enjoys throwing functional ware, sculpting, and Raku.
Diana Kujawa - Board Member
A retired writing teacher among other things, Diana brings years of publishing, graphic design, and curriculum development experience to the table. She holds a B.S. in English from Montana State University in Bozeman, and an M.S. in Technical Communication from Montana Tech. She sits on the Butte Food Bank Empty Bowls committee and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Despite vague rumors of Diana working with clay in the studio, her main forms of amusement include sculpting, painting, and throwing words around on the page.
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Shannon Moyle - Board Member
A native of Butte, Shannon has been passionate about pottery for 25 years, receiving ceramics education from the Kujawa family during high school. Her passions directly align with Hungry Hill's vision which balances her non-profit and tech career. She believes that creating art is not only fulfilling but serves as a way to unwind from life's pressures. Outside the studio, Shannon is a business mentor for Washington State University, co-owner of Montana See Glass and loves exploring Montana with her family.
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A.M. (Mike) Kujawa Sr. - Board Member
Retired public school Art teacher and professional artist AM (Mike) Kujawa Sr. began his work life as an underground miner, specifically a pumpman, and then as a U.S. Marine helicopter crew chief during the Vietnam Conflict. After Vietnam, Mike used the GI bill to earn his B.A. in Art and Industrial Arts from Western Montana College and his M.A. in Art from Montana State University in Bozeman.
He built the first pottery including a high fire gas kiln in the Butte School District in 1972 at West Jr High School. He later moved the pottery to the newly renovated Butte High School in 1986 where he served as department chair for the rest of his career. He retired from teaching in 2002.
Mike continues to pursue his own artwork including pottery in his Copper Creek Studio which he built with his son in 2002. He holds the office of Marshall of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is also a member of both the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion.
William Daily - Board Member
As a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, Bill partners with individuals and business owners to help them plan for short-term needs and reach long-term financial goals. Bill volunteers as an active member of the Sunrise Kiwanis Club and Ancient Order of Hibernians. He also lends professional assistance as a Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce board member – VP and Kiwanis – VP, Butte Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities, Butte Silver Bow Planning Board and Hungry Hill Art Center board member.
A Butte native, Bill enjoys outdoor activities including rafting, hunting, fishing, and camping. His college degrees include a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech and a M.S. in Industrial Management Engineering from Montana State.