Diane Lisle

Diane Lisle

September 13, 1949 – October 5, 2026

Diane Lisle, artist, teacher, potter, gallery owner, and longtime member of the Tubac arts community, passed away on October 5, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. She was 77.

Born in New York City to Herbert and Dorothy Lisle, Diane was creative, fiercely independent, feisty, and unforgettable. She spoke her mind, even when finding the right words was difficult. She had strong convictions, high standards, and could hold a grudge, but she also felt deeply about the people around her.

Diane discovered clay while studying painting and sculpture at the Kansas City Art Institute in the early 1970s. Pottery became her lifelong passion. She taught, exhibited, sold her work, and later founded Clay Hands Gallery & Studio in Tubac in 1994, building a successful pottery business and becoming a passionate champion of American ceramic arts.

Through Clay Hands, Diane supported ceramic artists, educated collectors, and shared her love of handmade pottery with generations of visitors and students. She also worked alongside her daughter, Mesia Hachadorian, in the development of Cobalt Fine Arts Gallery.

Diane is survived by her children, Mesia Hachadorian and her husband, John, and Cody Lisle and his wife, Tia; her brothers, John and Bruce Lisle, and their families; along with the many friends, artists, students, and collectors whose lives she touched.

Diane was complicated, spirited, talented, stubborn, loving, and entirely herself. She left her mark on clay, on Tubac, and on the many people who knew her.

She was, without question, an unforgettable character.

Celebration of Life

Diane's children, Mesia Hachadorian and Cody Lisle, warmly invite family, friends, and the Tubac community to join them in celebrating her remarkable life.

Thursday, November 12, 2026 2:00 PM

The Blacksmith House10 Camino OteroTubac, Arizona

A reception will immediately follow at the same location.