Brian Kluge (he/him) owns and operates Midwest Clay Project & Studios. He received a BS in Art Education (2002) from UW – Madison and an MFA (2011) from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Brian exhibits ceramics nationally and has completed artist residencies at the LUX Center for the Arts and at the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program. In addition to his studio practice, Brian has taught ceramics to students of all ages in public schools, workshops, and University settings.

 

Shandra Bjyrd (she/her) is the studio manager and an instructor at MCP. She is currently honing her skills as an independent potter. As a Madison native, she studied ceramics at Madison College before moving her studio practice to Midwest Clay Project. Since that time, Shandra has amassed a wealth of teaching experiences leading both private lessons and community classes. She also does production work for some of MCP’s clients. We are very fortunate to have this emerging talent in our studio!
.

Melissa Wendt (she/her) is a Studio Assistant and Teaching Artist at MCP. She lives with her 3 cats Puck, Merry, and Pippin and is an avid reader with over 1,000 books in her collection. Melissa has strong inter-personal skills and is all-in on ceramics! She has been creating eclectic teapots with a focus on surface texture since 2006 and participates in many local fairs and markets. Check her out on Insta @emoe_pottery

.

.

John Way (he/him) is a Studio Assistant at MCP. He is an avid ceramic artist and collector. His collection focuses on vintage fat lava pottery and unusual hand-made pieces. John uses his own unique hand-building style and homemade sculptural glazes to create far out pieces. He also enjoys wood-firing in rural Wisconsin. Check out his Insta @john.way.iii

.

.

 

Anissa Eisenberg (she/her) is studying conservation biology at UW—Madison. When she’s not knee deep in class or pugging clay, she likes to throw on the wheel, climb rocks, backpack, knit, sew, and bike. She picked up ceramics in high school, and is so excited to be back in the studio, learning from and teaching others about this awesome craft. Having previously worked in a Summer Camp, Anissa is looking forward to getting involved in our Youth programming.
.

 

Jenni Park (she/her) is a Studio Assistant at MCP. While getting her now little-used chemistry degree at Luther College, she was inspired by a lab assistant to snag a coveted spot in wheel throwing 101. In the 10+ years since, Jenni has continued to learn and grow in clay. Of all the perks of pottery, she most enjoys the people. Supporting and getting to know the MCP community is her favorite part of the job. She shares her work on insta @parkpots.

 

 

Leo Rohn Capellaro (he/him) is a Teaching Artist at MCP. In addition to making pots since 2004, Leo is studying Art Education at Edgewood College. When not throwing pots you’ll probably find Leo at the skate park. His pots are ever-evolving, but we love his faceted twisting cups and teapots the best! See his work on social media and try to get a spot in his classes.

.

.

.

Sarah Mount (she/her) is a Pastry Chef by trade and a part-time Studio Assistant at MCP. She fell in love with pottery a few years ago and has been making and learning ever since. If Sarah’s not in the pottery studio or baking, she’s most likely on a trail hiking or playing some rec sports. Sarah is excited to join our team and to see you around the studio soon!

 

 

 

Christine Konen (she/her) is a Wisconsin country gal at heart who lists dirt as a hobby. She has been working in clay for over a decade mentoring new artists, making pottery for sale, and teaching. Her work focuses on function and is inspired by textures found in nature. Christine loves making small batch wood-fired pottery! We’re happy to bring her experiences to MCP.