Clay requires patience.

As a ceramic artist,

I must give the clay and

process time for my ideas

and vision to be realized.

Jean Reiter Adams is a native of Bergen County, New Jersey. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Art Education from Wilkes College in 1978. Since 1985, Jean has been teaching in the Art Department at Wilkes University, teaching both ceramic and survey classes. While she considers working at the potter’s wheel to be her first love, Jean has been teaching hand building techniques along with wheel throwing for the past thirty-seven years.

“I enjoy making quiet and simple pots that you can live with and react to on a daily basis. I want my pots to serve a purpose, but also stand on their own as strong visual objects. I am intrigued with how clay works; it is fluid by nature, then fixed, and fragile in its final form. I grew up in a house that valued working with your hands and the value of good craftsmanship. I have worked in clay since 1976 because I love the medium and that love has helped me stay excited for all these years. I strive for the highest quality that my abilities allow me to achieve – which is what I also look for in my students.”

Jean is a resident of Blue Bell, PA

Working with clay and the earth has been a part of Beck Armstrong’s life for as long as she can remember. Although she primarily makes dishware, her passion for clay goes beyond the kitchen and out into the natural world. She has used clay to build homes, garden walls, ovens, and more.

Working as a gardener has allowed Beck to interact daily with the thing that inspires her most. Her work reflects the organic beauty of nature while also providing a functional pot for everyday use.

Ceramics has become an integral part of her quest to always have dirt under her nails and on her knees.

My chosen medium of clay is one that I engage in a three way conversation.

It speaks to my head, my hands, and my heart.

It’s this interaction that for me is my creative process.

Justin Benn is a ceramic artist from the suburbs of Philadelphia. Benn found clay early in life in first grade, yet it wasn't until high school electives he was truly given the opportunity to explore clay for the first time. With a teacher who saw his creativity and passion, he was told about a local art center where he began to take classes. This is where Benn started to see the full potential of the medium and spent lot of time creating and exploring with clay. It wasn't long before he became a studio technician, a teacher and eventually joined the local potter's guild where he is currently a member. Sharing and teaching the craft with others in his community is a huge draw to the medium for him, knowing he could be the one person that changes their life through clay. The work he currently creates focuses around what he calls “functional sculptures.” The pieces he creates are made to be engaged physically and visually to elicit a response from the user. He loves incorporating found materials in the clay and also using leaves for patterns.

Working as an Interior Designer for more than thirty years has given me a love of grace and line that I try to incorporate into the pieces that I throw. I consider myself not just a potter, but an artist trying to find beauty in the clay.

Recently, I have been experimenting with combining my love of hand building, and sculpting clay with the pieces I throw on the wheel. This has taken my work into a new and exciting level of design.

I believe we never stop learning. Everyday is a new day to explore the clay, and learn how far we can push and pull our way to a beautiful work of art.

Inspired by the traditional pottery of the Pueblo Indians, I hand build my one-of-a-kind vessels using the ancient coil method. Once dry, each piece is carefully burnished using terra sigillatta, giving it the soft rich polish of a river stone. I pay meticulous attention to the form and surface of each one of my ceramic pieces.

The desire to make things has always been overwhelming. Clay offers the greatest flexibility and the most possibilities.

Clay has two amazing metamorphoses, one when a lump of clay is taken by imagination, and the second when the artwork is changed by the fire.

My own growth as a ceramic artist revolves around continuing my exploration and education, applying my influences and inspirations to a medium that satisfies me on a profound level. My sculptures and decorative pieces are explorations of this process.

I am a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and Wallingford Potters Guild and teach ceramics and raku firing at Community Arts Center, Wallingford, Pa and Decorative Painting and Dollmaking at Mainline Art Center, Haverford, Pa and run a series of workshops at my studio in doll making, encaustic painting and concrete sculpture in Wyndmoor, Pa.

My work appears in Artista Gallery, Mt Airy, Philadelphia, Past Present and Future in Ardmore, PA and Tyme Gallery in Havertown, PA and Generator Gallery in San Miquel de Allende, Mexico.

I also works in Concrete, Encaustic and Fabric.

I graduated from Kutztown University with a BFA in Related Arts, Visual Arts concentration. I have been working with clay for over 20 years and continue to enjoy exploring the growth process that this medium allows. My body of work primarily consists of wheel thrown functional stoneware

Making pottery is always fun and exciting to me. There is always something new to try. New glazes, new forms, new techniques, new firing methods, new ideas and new challenges every day. So many pots to make and so little time to make them in.

When I started working with clay in 1996, it was the once a week creative outlet I had while working multiple jobs. It continued this way for many years although the jobs were eventually replaced with multiple children. As my children grew older and I could devote more time to clay, my hobby became my passion. I was an Associate at the Community Arts Center in Wallingford for many years before becoming a member of the Potters Guild. I teach hand-building at the Community Arts Center and sell my work both locally and nationally.

I was initially attracted to the wheel and throwing functional forms. I loved creating bowls, mugs and vases that could find practical uses in everyday life. I had a difficult time sitting at the wheel during my third pregnancy and at the encouragement of a friend, began hand-building. Since then, while keeping my hand in throwing, I have become primarily a hand-builder. Most of my pieces are made by rolling out slabs of clay and then texturing them before creating a form. My work explores the relationship between form and texture without losing the initial sense for practical, usable pieces.

I have merged a lifetime of experience practicing occupational therapy with a longstanding interest in crafts to enter a new phase in life as a potter. Making pottery, for me, is a visual-sensory-motor experience. My brain gathers messages from my senses and melds them into a uniquely creative and personal process. I enjoy making this transformation accessible as art through my hands.

I am influenced by the art of primitive cultures as well as the multitude of creative people around me, and by my everyday surroundings, which include our apiaries, pollinator gardens, birds and other local wildlife.

The production of something physical connects me with a different part of my brain and forces me to be in the moment. Pottery provides me with a physical, mental, and artistic challenge. I also enjoy the technical and historical aspects of the art. I find it very satisfying to participate in such an ancient craft.

I like making functional work. I especially enjoy making planters. I love the way a plant looks in a handmade pot! I like making serving pieces also. I am currently exploring trays of various shapes and experimenting with different handle and foot treatments. For me, a foot on a pot does nice things to its stance. Handles always seem to add both personality and personification.

Making pots has connected me to wonderful people, has changed a bit of my perspective, and always provides new things to learn.

After more than thirty years of claywork I feel fortunate to know that this incredible material continues to offer me pleasure, opportunity for change and growth combined with personal relationships that make life rich and interesting. Most of my work is utilitarian in intent, fired in wood, gas and electric kilns. Who knows what pots wait to be unloaded.

I may be contacted through my email address kentdutcher@aol.com

My studio is located at:

411 College Ave
West Chester, PA 19382
610.436.5806

As a potter immersed in the world of clay, I find solace in the philosophy of wabi-sabi, cherishing the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Each day in my studio is a dance with the raw, tactile nature of clay—a medium that beckons me to embrace its flaws and celebrate its unique qualities.

The physicality of working with clay is both demanding and rewarding. With every pinch, coil, and throw, I connect with the material on a primal level, feeling its malleable warmth beneath my fingers. It's a process that demands patience and precision, yet offers a sense of liberation as I surrender to the organic flow of creation.

But pottery is more than just a solitary pursuit; it's a communal experience that fosters connection and camaraderie. In the company of fellow potters, I find inspiration and support, united by a shared passion for the craft and a quest for the elusive "perfectly imperfect" pot.

One of the most transformative experiences in my journey as a potter has been my exploration of wood-firing. The ancient technique infuses each piece with a depth and character that cannot be replicated through conventional firing methods. As the flames lick the surface of the clay and the wood ash settles, intricate patterns and subtle variations emerge, creating a symphony of colors and textures that speak to the unpredictable beauty of nature.

In addition to firing techniques, I am equally passionate about the art of glazing. Experimenting with different combinations of minerals and oxides, I create bespoke glazes that enhance the natural beauty of the clay while adding depth and complexity to the finished piece. Whether I'm dipping, pouring, or spraying, each application is a deliberate act of alchemy, transforming raw materials into a vibrant palette of colors and textures.

Growing up in a household where creativity was cherished, I learned to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the elegance of imperfection. My parents, a carpenter and a painter, instilled in me a reverence for materials and a deep respect for the creative process—a legacy that continues to shape my work today.

Nature, too, is a constant muse, offering endless inspiration with its ever-changing landscapes and textures. Whether it's the weathered bark of an ancient tree or the delicate patterns left by wind and water, I draw upon the rich tapestry of the natural world to infuse my pottery with a sense of harmony and serenity.

In my studio, surrounded by the rhythmic hum of wheels and kilns, I feel a profound sense of belonging—a member of a timeless community of artisans united by a common goal: to create beauty from the earth's humble clay.

I’ve always had a love for flowers. Beautiful, asymmetrical, colorful shapes that inspire creativity.

My inspiration comes from the beauty of flowers. The material I use for pottery is porcelain, because it is strong, but has a fragile and friendly appearance, even with no color. 

I enjoy every moment working with clay and want the pieces I create to bring as much pleasure to people as it has to me. My hope is to make ceramics that bring new character to your home and a smile to your face. 

It is something I have always wanted to do. I enjoy expressing my creativity through functional, stoneware pottery. I like the idea of using art and beauty to enrich the basic routines of daily life. My forms are simple and clean, allowing me to explore glazing techniques. Through these different and changing techniques, I seek for glazes that capture texture and movement.

I am a longtime resident of Delaware County, have done pottery since 1975. My pottery is found in galleries and juried shows throughout Delaware and Chester Counties.

Please feel free to e-mail me at artisan812@gmail.com

In the suburbs of Philadelphia where I grew up, I attended a pottery class at a local community arts center and immediately fell in love with clay. My craving to learn about ceramics led me to Virginia Commonwealth University where I earned my BFA. I then continued my pursuit of making pottery as a participant of the Work Exchange Program at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia.

Growing up in a big, loud Italian family, I quickly learned the value of sharing a meal with friends, family and loved ones. This continues to inform my work and inspires me to bring people together to share a meal, a story, a laugh, or a drink around a table. My work is fired in wood kilns, where the communal nature of the firings reflects the same feeling I strive to create around a table. Potters from all genres and backgrounds work together to fire the kiln in a long and sometimes grueling process, while we share a drink, trade stories, and make our art together.

My work has been exhibited at the Craft and Design Show in Richmond, the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, The Clay Studio in Philadelphia and the Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair in Philadelphia. I became a member of the Potter’s Guild in the Winter of 2019.

Website: Anna Masciantonio Pottery

Instagram: @annamaspottery

Ceramics have been part of my life for the past 30 years and I never cease to be impressed by clay’s multiple qualities. I love testing the limits and experimenting by adding things like  sand, charcoal or soft stone -- anything that can add texture or burn out, leaving craters and other irregular markings.  I prefer working with a clay body that contains a lot of grog, which I often like to accentuate.

My work is mostly large and not always functional. Simple asymmetric forms with minimal decoration are my preference. I am strongly inspired by nature -- rock formations, tree bark, decaying wood, etc., often blending opposites into one piece.

I love making functional everyday pottery. The feel of forming a bowl or a pitcher, and the thrill of hearing that someone has been using my pots for years never gets old. And being able to transmit my skills and my passion to students is very rewarding. Who could ask for anything more?

I am an artist; it’s not what I do, but simply who I am and always have been. I started with two dimensional art, then . . . I touched clay. I molded, I pinched, threw, manipulated, wedged, pressed, paddled, assembled . . . clay. I loved the feel of it. The simplicity. Clay drew me in and has yet to let me go! I embraced the joy and therapy of “playing in clay.”
My work has often been described as animated. I attribute the “life” in my pieces to my ability to keep it fun and playfully loose. I hope to continue "playing in clay" and exploring new ideas for a very long time.

After a BFA in painting I discovered that clay was what endlessly drew me on. I work with terracotta, using slips and glazes, historically based in English slipware,but contemporary in feel. I love imagery on three-dimensional form, and work hard for strong forms married to complex imagery that celebrates the encounter of humans and the natural world.

My work is influenced by my Christian faith, love of cultures and graphic design skills. I have a passion for creating unique art pieces, using simple designs that are balanced with accents of texture and color. Graphic design plays an important role in designing of my art pieces. I try to choose subjects that will be interesting and engaging.

When I create, I feel a connection to my Christian faith. It reads in Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." That's a pretty powerful statement, to be created in the image of God who is the creator. I know that my desire to create comes from God and I want to share that with others.

I started working in clay in the summer of 1996 at the Wallingford Community Arts Center and have been playing in it ever since. Over the years I have had the opportunity to be mentored by many clay artists, many who are members of The Potters Guild. The most important experience that my mentors gave me was the ability to play & explore clay. It was never about what I couldn't do, but more about figuring out how to accomplish my goals. I still create freely in clay with the idea that nothing is impossible.

Clay provides for me the perfect combination of challenges and rewards necessary to make art. It is technically demanding, requiring research and serious study. Clay has a rich history that grounds me in the past while encouraging vision into the future. Ceramic work is created in a tradition of craftsmanship, and sets a high standard. Clay can communicate both visually and tactically ideas both large and small. Most importantly for me, clay provides joy in the making, and the perfect combination of community and solitary work.

I have a Masters of Arts in Ceramics from the University of Louisville and maintain a studio in Media, Pennsylvania. My love of the material and interest in sharing that love with others has made m a passionate teacher. I teach ceramics classes at the Community Arts Center of Wallingford and kindergarten at The School in Rose Valley.

You can contact me at sucheckipottery@rcn.com

My work in clay has evolved over the years from mostly functional, with the vessel as the predominant form, to an increasing number of sculptural pieces, with the human face, hands, torso, and elements of nature emerging. This evolution has occurred in conjunction with my work as a Psychotherapist and Art Therapist, as well as through my own personal growth experiences. I create my pieces with a variety of clays and processes. I work in stoneware, porcelain, Raku and earthenware clays and fire in reduction, wood, salt, Raku, and primitive types of kilns. Process excites me, and the Alchemy of clay, form and fire offer me infinite possibilities. This is what has stimulated my creative energies for so many years, and keeps me fired up!! Visit my website at www.tebbensclay.com or e-mail me at mtebbens@thepottersguild.com

View YouTube video of Marianne at the Clay Studio

Carrying on a century long family tradition in ceramics, Patricia Tolton is a tile artist. Her ancestors immigrated from England finding work in Ohio potteries. Her ceramic interest started with collecting pottery. Patricia, with a degree in Horticulture and having owned her own landscape business, has an intimate knowledge of the natural world. With her family heritage rooted in the Arts and Crafts Movement, Patricia’s work is handcrafted in her Downingtown Pa studio. There she combines her experience as a landscape designer and family history to create her modern version of Arts and Crafts tile.

Since beginning to work with clay, I realized that I love to play with texture. Sometimes the form dictates the texture, and sometimes the texture leads me to a different form. When I am creating a piece, either on the wheel or by hand building, I think about the form and the final texture that I will apply. The majority of my work is fired in a salt/soda wood fired kiln.

I have spent the past 25 years collecting pottery - mostly turn of the century French Japonism, tea bowls and also contemporary ceramic art. Now that I am semi-retired, I wanted to get back to making ceramics.

I have spent the past 2 years trying to make the perfect Japanese tea bowl. I have made about 350 tea bowls so far and I still love making them. My tea bowls are hand formed by pinching, sometimes throwing, and carving the clay. I strive for organic forms that are comfortable in your hand and feel much more natural to hold and drink from than a cup with a handle. I try to give each piece a complex surface, some of which require multiple firings. Each of my tea bowls is a unique ceramic sculpture.

I like to feel the clay in my hands. Working without a wheel, using only fingers and simple tools I create organic forms. The pieces honor earlier times, when hands, clay, simple glazes, and heat produced works of art.

An apprenticeship with Toshiko Takaezu was the primary source of my education. She is known as one of the twentieth century’s greatest abstract artists working in clay. Renowned for simple forms and painterly glazing, her work is included in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

My clay art is at home wherever a beautiful sculpture or vase is displayed, on your shelves, by your windows, on your coffee or end tables. The fired stoneware is modern, but hand-building grounds it in tradition and gives it soul.

My pieces can be seen at the Community Art Center BeaDazzle Gift Gallery (Wallingford, PA), Gallery on Park (Swarthmore, PA) and Etsy (www.peacefulpath.etsy.com).

I am a member of the Haverford Guild of Craftsman as well as The Potters Guild in Wallingford, PA.

I've always loved to paint and draw ever since I can remember. When I was a young girl I was given pottery lessons with Ricky Wolfe in her Swarthmore studio but it wasn't until I was attending West Chester University, studying Philosophy that I decided to take a pottery class as an elective and I fell in love with it. I took every ceramics class that was offered there and then I started taking classes at CAC. I joined the Potter's Guild in 2006.

Melissa Zook's thrown and altered porcelain and stoneware vessels juxtapose modern minimal forms and organic mark-making. Using visual and haptic languages, she employs additive and subtractive processes to convey a sense of interruption on her surfaces, engaging the viewer and vessel in a tactile experience. Through exploration, being surprised, learning from the materials and process, and embracing the character that imperfections impart, Melissa infuses her vessels with the suspense created by the continual evolution of thought and creation. To enhance her vision, Melissa develops and fabricates many of her glazes.

Raised on a Chester County family farm, Melissa grew up relying on her imagination, hands, and grit. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA, and Pratt Institute with a Masters in Industrial Design.  After relocating her jewelry business from Brooklyn to the Philadelphia area in 2018, Melissa enrolled in a ceramics course to expand her jewelry line with a new material, clay. In the very last class of the session, she decided to try the pottery wheel….and so began the love affair.