Meet Our Pack

Our instructors are humble, approachable, brilliant, and ruff around the edges

  • Owner & Instructor

    Teaches
    Wheel Throwing

  • Owner & Instructor

    Teaches
    Wheel Throwing

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Hand Building

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Wheel Throwing

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Hand Building

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Experienced Beginner and Intro Pottery Wheel Classes

    Experience
    I took a couple hand building and wheel courses during college at OCC while I was pursuing my degree in photography. I was drawn back to ceramics a few years later and audited more wheel throwing classes at OCC.

    Another handful of years later, and the Clawson Clay Guild opened up! I eagerly signed up for the first day of classes at CCG and dived headfirst into a deeper understanding of clay, techniques, glazes, and kiln management.

    I began teaching Intro to Wheel classes in 2022 and I thrive on sharing my knowledge with every student I meet!

    Fun Fact
    I’m also an Aerial Arts instructor with over 15 years experience on Silks, Lyra, Sling and more!

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Wheel Throwing

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Wheel Throwing

    Experience
    Leah May holds a degree in Ceramic Technology. She currently is the technical director, manages, and instructs at Clawson Clay Guild.

    She has exhibited throughout Southeast MI including the Michigan Ceramics Exhibition (MCAA Biennial Exhibition) and received ceramic awards including Best in Show Grosse Pointe MI Art Fair.

    In her early career she apprenticed for several artists, worked as a ceramic technologist, studio manager, and taught workshops and classes at studios throughout southeast Michigan. Leah is a former board member of Ceramics Community Network and continues to cultivate her passion in all areas of ceramic art.

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Intro to Wheel Throwing

    Experience
    I started my pottery journey in 2023 here at CCG and instantly found myself drawn to the community and the meditative process of working with clay. I quickly immersed myself in learning and now as an instructor I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion with my students, providing a solid jumping off point for anyone to start their own pottery journey.

    Fun Fact
    In 2017 I lived in South Korea and taught English.

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Advanced Techniques & Hand Building

    Experience
    During my third year as a biochem major in university of Washington in Seattle, I realized my passion for fine art. Soon after, I moved to the Bay Area in California to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. I studied at Diablo Valley College ( DVC) for 4 years with focus on figurative oil painting. While I was at DVC, I kept finding myself returning to the ceramic studio doing independent studies. Aside from my artwork in ceramics, I would participate as teacher ‘s assistant and lab tech. I showed my ceramic works at the CCACA (2013/14, Davis, California). After moving to Michigan, I had a solo oil painting exhibition at the OCC Auburn Hills in in 2015.

    I also participated 2015 annual Great Lakes region community college art exhibition and won 2nd place.

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Hand Building

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Wheel Throwing

    Experience
    I find immense joy both inside the studio, playing in the mud, and outside in my garden. Nature is perfectly imperfect and I strive to embrace and reflect this through my artwork. I primarily make utilitarian wheel-thrown pieces, particularly enjoying creating planters for my houseplants and herbs. There's some magic behind drinking out of a handmade mug or eating out of a homemade bowl—it truly enhances the experience!

    As a lifelong learner, I'm always eager to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my creativity. Currently, I'm focusing on experimenting with texture exploration, pattern-making, glazing techniques, and applications. Each new technique I explore helps me grow as an artist and teacher.

    I absolutely love teaching and am dedicated to helping students along their individual pottery journeys. Sharing my love for clay and art is my passion, and I always strive to provide an informative and enjoyable experience for all my students. I hope to see you in class soon!

  • Instructor

    Teaches
    Hand Building

    Experience
    I love clay and I love helping others develop their own love of clay. I discovered pottery as a “second act” in my late 40s and have been teaching others how to create beautiful things out of clay since 2023. I am always excited to show new techniques and experiment with form and glaze!