Louis joined KC Clay Guild as an Artist in Residence in 2014 after completing a BFA at the University of Missouri–Columbia and an MFA at Utah State University. He worked with the Board of Directors to establish the part-time Studio Coordinator position in 2015—KCCG’s first employee since 1988—and moved into a full-time role in 2020. Louis now develops programming, oversees the organization’s transition to a new building, leads development, manages the Artist in Residence program, and collaborates with the Board to fulfill KCCG’s mission. He also teaches the Wednesday morning wheel throwing class and maintains a studio practice, firing his work at KC Clay Guild. Louis lives in Lee’s Summit, MO with his wife and son.

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Amy has a bachelors degree in Studio Art from Hastings College in Nebraska. After graduation, she moved to Kansas City. She has been a member of KC Clay Guild since 2010 and has served in many capacities including clay mixer, volunteer monitor, board member and instructor. In 2023, she became KC Clay Guild’s second paid employee. Her current position as Program Manager blends her love of ceramics and her need to organize things. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, prestige television dramas, hiking, and mixing cocktails for friends.

Contact Amy with any questions regarding our educational programming or studio/shelf rentals.

Alex graduated with a BFA in Ceramics from Utah State University in 2005. After graduating, he taught ceramics classes and managed the ceramics department at a small school in the Berkshires. In 2008, Watson moved to Colorado, where he lived and worked until 2013.  He was an artist in residence at the Carbondale Clay Center and Studio for Artists Works. In 2010, he was a visiting artist at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in China.  Upon returning from China, Watson became a full time studio potter.  He is now in Kansas City, MO and is a founding member of the Kansas City Urban Potters.

Contact Alex with any question about studio maintenance.

PRESIDENT

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As President of the KC Clay Guild, Josh Wood is deeply committed to fostering the growth and development of the KC Clay Guild and the Kansas City art community. Working in ceramics since 1998 and serving on the Board since 2014, Josh has played a key role in helping growth and expanded offerings for the KC Clay Guild.  Before becoming President in 2020, he served 4 years as Vice President.  

Josh has been dedicated to promoting the accessibility of art in the Kansas City metro area. He is especially excited about the KC Clay Guild's efforts to serve diverse groups through programs such as school outreach, the Artist in Residence Program, Soda Firing, classes for developmentally challenged patrons, and kids summer camps. Josh is proud of the ability to offer affordable artistic opportunities, providing a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can gather to create art and have fun.

Under his leadership, the KC Clay Guild has seen remarkable growth, and Josh is eager to continue advancing the organization’s mission. He is focused on reaching the Guild’s fundraising goals and realizing the dream of a building and programming expansion, which will further enrich the community and artists alike.

VICE PRESIDENT

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Laura Tyler Strawn is a Kansas City native and artist. Laura holds a BFA in Studio Art from Truman State University and an MFA in Studio Art from the University of Missouri. Over the last ten years, Laura has taught a variety of art classes in continuing and higher education programs. Laura has served on the KC Clay Guild’s board since 2018 and is passionate about the Clay Guild’s mission to make ceramic arts more accessible to everyone. She is looking forward to the new building’s ability to help us expand our mission, allowing more classes, more storage space, and most importantly more discounted and free programming that the Clay Guild can make possible to our community.

As Vice President, Laura is looking forward to helping the KC Clay Guild continue to plan the transition to the new building and helping expand the Clay Guild’s mission. Laura enjoys working with the Artists in Residents and developing friendships to make sure that they are supported in their role. She looks forward to continuing to meet with new and existing Artist in Residence and expand the connection between the AIRs and board members.

Laura is also looking forward to helping with the upcoming stages of fundraising for the construction and outfitting of the new building. She is hoping to use her background in non profit marketing to help fundraise towards the new building’s needs.

TREASURER

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Melissa first took a wheel throwing class at the KC Clay Guild in 2016 and has been a  hobby potter ever since. Her love for the intersection of art and physics drew her to the Guild, and she has enjoyed learning new skills while being welcomed into a supportive, creative community. Passionate about making the arts accessible, Melissa is excited to give back to an organization that has already enriched her life.

With a background as a Project/Construction Manager for an engineering firm and experience running a small property management and construction business, Melissa brings strong skills in project management, financial oversight, contractor coordination, and digital marketing. Melissa's approach to leadership is rooted in organization, attention to detail, and collaboration. She believes in listening carefully to understand the needs and goals of others, working toward common outcomes. As Treasurer, Melissa is eager to contribute her expertise to help the Guild continue to grow and thrive.

SECRETARY

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I came to KC Clay Guild as a resident artist in the fall of 2017 after receiving my BFA from University of Missouri. At the end of my residency I joined the Board of Directors and have worked as Workshops Chair and currently as Publicity Chair. I enjoy engaging with the KC Clay Guild community through social media, promoting and attending our events, and highlighting the work of our members as much as possible. I also love building relationships with people in the Kansas City arts community outside of the Guild.

I have worked as the Saturday Kid's Class instructor since 2018, and I conduct the community soda firings. With my skill set being in art and service- I have developed a passion for community arts, and I hope to be able to continue to enhance ours to the best of my abilities. I believe art is for everyone and everyone should have the opportunity to access it.

EDUCATION CHAIR

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I was first introduced to ceramics in high school and was reintroduced when I started coming to the guild in January of 2023. Since then, I have been an active member at the guild and it has become a valuable community for me. I have been fortunate to be able to take a variety of classes at the guild, being able to experience and learn various aspects of ceramics from a variety of talented and experienced teachers and their diverse perspectives of ceramics. From the experienced guidance and creative freedom offered by these classes, I have been inspired to explore various aspects of ceramics from oxide washes, 3d printing custom pottery tools, experimenting with different handle shapes and forms, making glazes and achieving various effects, and many other rabbit holes. Professionally, I have a background in management, project coordination, coding, and data analytics. I am looking to continue to be an active member at the guild and explore ways to apply my skill set to give back and support the vibrant community and programs that currently thrive here.

MEMBERSHIP AND OUTREACH CHAIR

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My journey with the KC Clay Guild began in late 2018 with my first throwing class. This experience sparked a deep appreciation for clay and the Guild's supportive community. This initial spark has evolved into a committed involvement, and in 2023, I became a volunteer monitor. This role has allowed me to witness firsthand the remarkable growth of our community, and I am eager to contribute to the Guild's continued success and accessibility.

Professionally, I offer extensive marketing experience, specializing in email strategy for engagement and information distribution. For the past decade, I've also volunteered in marketing for Empowering Minds International, managing email communications, website development, and event support in a non-profit context.

I aim to leverage my marketing skills, particularly in email, to enhance Guild communications, promote events, attract new members, and keep the community informed. My goal as a board member is to strengthen the Guild's presence, foster greater participation and engagement, and support the ongoing growth of the KC clay community.

VOLUNTEER CHAIR

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Cynthia has a deep passion for the KC Clay Guild and its welcoming, inclusive community. As a volunteer monitor and teacher at the Guild, Cynthia has spent the past year assisting the current board member in charge of the monitor program. With his departure, Cynthia is eager to continue the positive momentum, further enhancing the Guild’s reputation as a great place to volunteer and connect with others. She is committed to supporting the Guild’s mission and working to shape its future as a board member.

Cynthia is a self-described "nerdy, stay-at-home, homeschooling ceramicist" with two children, and brings a wealth of experience from many different fields. She has developed the skills to wear multiple hats, which has uniquely equipped her to contribute to the KC Clay Guild community. Through her work on the monitor committee, she has seen firsthand how fostering open communication and promoting a culture of appreciation can boost morale and productivity.

Cynthia offers her experience working with non-profits, her knowledge of the homeschooling community, and her expertise in websites and social media. She is passionate about leveraging technology to improve efficiency, so the Guild has more time to focus on what matters most. 

GALLERY CHAIR

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David earned his M.F.A. in ceramics from Claremont Graduate University, following studies at the California College of Arts & Crafts and La Verne University. He has taught adult and children in wheel throwing and handbuilding for the City of Claremont and worked as a teacher’s assistant.

After his return to the world of clay art, he found himself learning and exploring a variety of styles and techniques such soda and raku firing, and the exploration of textures in clay.  His passion over the last few years has been Bonsai pots, learning how to throw and carve them, the history of Bonsai and this has even led to a small forest of Bonsai trees in his backyard. (Be careful what you wish for.)

As the current Centered Earth Gallery Director, David has expanded the number of artists from 10 to 20, creating a more welcoming environment for visitors. His goal is to showcase members’ work while keeping the gallery accessible and inclusive. David believes the Guild is a place for learning, and exhibiting work is an important part of that process, from display techniques to pricing. He also created the wall dedicated to the Guild’s annual Tea Bowl National show.

David’s vision for the gallery includes hosting additional solo shows, including Artist in Residences. He encourages members to exhibit their work, aiming to make the gallery a destination for contemporary ceramics and a place to purchase and collect art.

PUBLICITY CHAIR

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The reason why I am interested in being on the board is because I would like to be further involved in the functionality of the clay guild and help promote it. I have always enjoyed the sense of community I feel around other potters and would like to share that with others.

My skill set is mainly based in videography, photography and advertising. I graduated from the Kansas City Art institute with a degree in photography. K.C.A.I is also where I first started in ceramics. I have worked in advertising before, and I am currently a videographer. I feel I could use these skills to promote the clay guild and showcase what great things are happening there.