04/19/2026
Meet Val, a new instructor and kiln technician at Clawson Clay Guild. During her senior year of college in Florida, Val enrolled in a ceramics class on a whim. Although she had always enjoyed sculpting, there was something about working with clay that sparked a deeper, unexpected connection. She quickly fell in love with the medium, often dedicating more time to her ceramic work than to her own thesis.
That single class—along with the encouragement of a supportive teacher—ultimately reshaped the direction of her artistic journey. After graduating, making the shift to ceramics as her primary medium felt daunting, but Val embraced the challenge. She immersed herself in local ceramic communities, eager to learn and grow as much as possible.
After moving to Michigan in late 2023, finding a pottery studio was her top priority. She soon found her home at Clawson Clay Guild, where she discovered a welcoming, inspiring community filled with talented artists. Now, as both an instructor and kiln technician, Val is excited to share her knowledge and continue growing alongside others.
Stop in and say hello to Val—she’s happy to be part of the community and can’t wait to meet you!
