The MADE Clay Crew
Hi! Sarah here. Maker behind Gem City Ceramics and owner of MADE a ceramic art studio.
I make to find connection. Connection with materials and their story. Connection with my own capabilities and creativity. Connection with you and the opportunity to make something uniquely yours.
A proud Dayton transplant, I have a love for things all things handmade goods and the people behind them. I began Gem City Ceramics in January of 2020 after graduating from school with an engineering degree and the draw to do something far different. When the need for a workspace presented itself, I dove into a new project, MADE. Over the past few years, with the help of the most amazing clay crew on this side of the universe, we have built a space for others to come connect with themselves and with others through the craft of pottery.
Creating has been a part of my life since the time my tiny fingers could grasp a marker. While mud throwing has become my primary craft, I enjoy working within a variety of mediums including linocut, wood, and fiber. My work often has an emphasis on simplicity and intentional functionality, with the hope my pieces serve your average days, as my fondest memories and conversations have occurred during such. Groggy morning coffees and ordinary conversations with extraordinary people are my specialties.
Ally
I graduated from Sinclair almost three years ago and started working in marketing and event planning. Since then, I’ve collected way more houseplants than I can handle and welcomed a very pampered cat into my life.
Wheel or Hand Building
Favorite thing to make?
Recently my favorite thing I made was a planter with an attached drainage tray.
If you could only use one tool for the rest of your pottery career, what would it be?
I couldn’t live without a wooden rib tool
Perfect day in the studio?
When I get to put on my headphones, get messy, and not think about anything else that’s going on.
How would you describe your pottery style in three words?
Still finding it!
Favorite part of MADE?
My favorite part of made is the community of people I’ve met there. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive. I know I can count on the friends I’ve MADE here (pun intended)!
Andrea
When I'm not teaching at MADE, creating at my home studio, or working my operations job you'll find me with my hands in the dirt gardening or in the woods. Pottery is my therapy and my creative outlet, my creative and teaching styles are similar...let's learn the basics and then experiment to see what happens. I love to hike, backpack, forage edible plants and mushrooms, and spend time with my partner, my dogs, and my brilliant daughter.
Wheel or Hand Building I can’t choose…
How long have you been doing pottery?
7 years
What’s your dream pottery project?
I want to make a full dining set for a local Dayton restaurant. I'm a foodie, connecting over a delicious meal is good for the soul and even better on handmade wares.
What’s one piece of advice you give to all your students?
Give yourself grace. Pottery, like any other new skill, takes time, repetition, and patience. We will learn through problem solving and then celebrate small wins.
Favorite part of MADE?
Hands down, it's the people. The studio vibe is welcoming to everyone and any skill level. I love seeing the pride and confidence from a new student creating their first pot and likewise, the excitement when some of our returning students learn a new skill. And I'm proud to brag about our awesome staff!
Chelsea
I'm a proud Dayton-native residing in Bellmont with my rescue kitty Jimi. As a way to cope with grief, my pottery journey started in early 2021. Creating with clay for the last nearly four years, gave me a sense of purpose in the midst of losing my mother to cancer and was the art therapy I didn’t know I desperately needed. With an obsession for all things 70s earth tones, I enjoy taking inspiration from vintage patterns and merging it with contemporary design to handcraft whimsy jewelry and home decor for my personal brand OH! Clay CO.
Wheel or Hand Building
What’s your dream pottery project?
Currently daydreaming about handbuilding a coil lamp base.
What’s one piece of advice you give to all your students?
I like to remind my students that every "failure" is actually a learning lesson in disguise. Each time we walk away with one more piece of knowledge to further our journey in ceramics and in life.
Favorite part of MADE?
My favorite part of MADE is the relaxing, welcoming atmosphere that draws in the nicest, most supportive creatives. It's truly a wondeful space to build community.
Courtney
I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and have always had a love for different art forms. I started working with ceramics while studying at the University of Dayton a couple years ago and realized that it can connect the mediums I love the most, while also conveying a message. As well as working as an artist, I teach classes and am a full time cook.
Wheel or Hand Building
If you could only use one tool for the rest of your pottery career, what would it be?
Extruder
Perfect day in the studio?
Stamping and initialing “Take it for a Spin!” work then glazing the pieces I got to stamp the week prior! Seeing the process of others’ artwork!
Dream Project?
Large scale body planter.
Favorite part of MADE?
How the community is supportive and always looking for new ways to learn and grow!
Jessica
I recently graduated with a BFA from Miami University, with a concentration in Ceramics. With an interest in both hand building and wheel throwing I am excited to introduce and guide others into my own beloved practice!
Wheel or Hand Building I can’t choose…
How long have you been doing pottery?
Three years
If you could only use one tool for the rest of your pottery career, what would it be?
Sponge
Favorite thing to make?
Heavily detailed functional pieces (jewelry dishes, incense trays, etc)
How would you describe your pottery style in three words?
Bright - Colorful - Detailed
What do you hope students take away from your classes?
Ceramics is a humbling practice but that’s what makes it so rewarding.