The first time I sat down at a wheel and put my hands on clay, I instantly fell in love. I discovered this love at a time in my life when I was focusing on inner wellness and reflecting on how to better nurture my sense of creativity. I found something about shaping clay to be incredibly healing! I learned to stay present in the process, rather than stressing about the end result. It stripped away my previous self-doubt that my creative efforts needed to be judged as “good” in order to have value; if I find joy in the process of sculpting a piece, then it doesn’t matter if that piece has imperfections. Let’s connect through this messy and imperfect journey together!

I am drawn to clay because it continually gives lessons in patience, unpredictability, and letting go. My very first ceramics teacher began class with a question that still drives me: What’s the difference between art and craftsmanship? Between art and fine art? At à la mud, I hope to share both the fundamentals of form and the quiet, grounding practice that clay invites. You’ll probably catch me trying to reclaim every bit of clay—or giving extra love to my studio sidekick pup, Bella.

Cassie is a ceramic artist recently relocated from Denver, Colorado. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and discovered her love for clay while studying.

Her work is fueled by a deep connection to nature, embracing both its beauty and the grotesque.

She enjoys handbuilding, slip casting, and atmospheric firings, with a particular fascination for organic burnout.

Cassie is currently exploring the process of making bone china, incorporating ethically sourced bones she found while hiking forests in Colorado.

I am a multitude of things, but would mostly describe myself as a professional creative. I am a sculptor, painter, and ceramicist. What inspires me most is human connection and storytelling. I try to live my life as a "resilient problem solver." The vast well of possibilities in ceramics keeps me ever curious. Encouraging students to even just "dip their toe" into what clay and glaze make possible lights me up.

I was first introduced to the healing power of art through my grandmother, who is a fantastic oil painter. My high school ceramics teacher helped nurture that passion. I went on to earn a B.A. in Ceramic Art from Arizona State University in 2021. Since then, I've worked as both an instructor and artist. My artistic practice includes body casting, sprig mold making, china painting (also known as overglazing), and more recently glaze chemistry and formulation.

I hope to see you around the studio and help light that artistic spark in you!

Website: janellekinsey.com
IG: @janellekinsey

Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm an illustrator, designer, and ceramic artist who believes some of the best memories are made while creating something together. With eight years of experience teaching art, I believe creativity is a powerful way to connect with family, friends and community.

Over the past three years, I've immersed myself in hand-built ceramics, developing a practice that blends playful sculptures with painterly surfaces. 

My workshops are designed to be welcoming, creative spaces where people can slow down, try something new, and connect. Whether we're sculpting beloved pets, creating whimsical creatures, or experimenting with hand-building techniques, my goal is for everyone to leave with a handmade piece they're proud of and a memorable experience they shared with others.

See my full artist portfolio at www.littlelobo.com
Instagram: @littleloboart