Northern Indiana Clay

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Inspired by the native Midwest flora and fauna, Marret’s pottery, sculpture, and prints embody the beauty of her surroundings. Marret now showcases her work at fine art fairs, galleries, and through juried exhibitions.

She continued her education with post-baccalaureate studies at Indiana University South East in 2021. After honing her skills as a production potter in Indianapolis, IN, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey to become a self employed artist in March of 2023.

Artist of the Month: Marret Metzger

Marret Metzger, is a passionate artist born and raised in Northern Indiana. With a deep-rooted love for art, she studied at Ball State university and received her BFA with a focus on ceramics in 2019.

Taking place on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (May 24th), shoppers will be able to enjoy an intimate and up-front experience with our region’s ceramic artists. See a full roster of open studios during the tour at MichianaSpringClayTour.com.

Doors open at 10am.

We hope to see you there!

Make sure to put our latest event on your calendar! The Michiana Spring Clay Tour takes place on Saturday, May 24th, Memorial Day weekend. This one-day event will showcase a number of new and existing ceramic studios around Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.

The majority of her work is fired in wood kiln for about 95 hours. Exposing the bare clay allows the flame and wood ash to create its own unique glaze when it is fired. She graduated Bachelor of Applied Arts: 3D Concentration along with an Art History Minor from Central Michigan University.

Sadie Misiuk is a ceramic artist from Goshen, IN where she operates a studio in a historic former schoolhouse. She creates comfort with the use of wood fired pottery in everyday life.

A few spots remain for our Spring Surfaces workshop on April 25-27.

The Spring Surfaces Workshop includes two kiln firings, materials, and glazes. Lodging and food not included. Attendees should plan to bring 15 mug-sized pieces.

Learn more at IndianaClay.org/workshops

Learn more at IndianaClay.org.

Their work ranges from sculptural explorations to functional pottery, reflecting diverse influences and backgrounds. This year’s winners represent six different states from around the country.

These artists bring fresh perspectives and innovative techniques to the ceramics community, enriching the regional art scene with their distinctive styles and creative expressions.

The 2025 Emerging Artists are:
• Alejandro Mejía Andrade
• Yael Braha
• Noel Burkhardt
• Francesca Coker
• Jiaqi Lin
• Suzanne Mauro
• Edel Miller
• Hailey Piché
• Micah Lewis Van Sweezie
• Amal Tamari

The selected artists receive a complimentary one-year membership to NICA, providing valuable networking and exhibition opportunities, including participation in the Michiana Pottery Tour, the Michiana Spring Clay Tour, and the Ruthmere Ceramic Showcase.

The Northern Indiana Clay Alliance is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Emerging Artist program. This prestigious recognition is awarded to promising ceramic artists who demonstrate outstanding creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication to ceramics.

His vibrant, durable pieces, fired to perfection, bring joy to daily rituals. Ryan is also the co-host of the “Wheel Talk” podcast.

Learn more about joining NICA at IndianaClay.org

Ryan Durbin, part-time potter and full-time website developer, owns RD Ceramics. Since 2007, he’s crafted functional pottery, blending his skills honed in Louisville, KY, with studies at Northern Kentucky University.

Our mission:

To develop, strengthen, and advance the Northern Indiana clay community through support, education, scholarship, and documentation.

Learn more at IndianaClay.org

You can learn more about our Spring Surfaces Workshop, which also includes a soda firing with Justin Rothshank Ceramics and a presentation on Oni Glazing by Dick Lehman, at IndianaClay.org/Workshops .

Workshop attendees will be invited into Jesse's studio and gallery space for a detailed demonstration of his process. Additionally, attendees will be able to send files in advance for Jesse to print and have ready to apply and fire on their own work during the weekend.

Featured demonstrator Jesse Woodworth of Riverwood Pottery brings over a decade of experience to our Spring Surfaces Workshop. His pots feature colorful decal designs crafted from an Enduring Images printer.

The Spring Surfaces Workshop includes two kiln firings, materials, and glazes. Lodging and food are separate costs. NICA members can sign-up for $300 to attend, a $50 discount from the public rate.

Learn more at IndianaClay.org/Workshops.

Additionally, Jesse Woodworth of Riverwood Pottery will be detailing his decal process and Dick Lehman will be sharing about his extensive career, travels, and Oni Glazing technique.

Featured demonstrator @jrothshank.bsky.social will be firing his soda kiln during our Spring Surfaces Workshop, offering participants the opportunity to engage with this unique process. Justin will provide access to some of his favorite low-fire glazes and decorating tools.

Just over a week left to apply!

Workshop attendees will be able to visit Dick's Goshen, Indiana studio, and see his process up close. Our Spring Surfaces Workshop also includes a low-fire soda firing with Justin Rothshank and a decal demonstration with Jesse Woodworth. Visit IndianaClay.org/Workshops to learn more and sign up.

His career has spanned various firing styles, including wood firing, saggar, soda, and his unique Oni process. He has been featured extensively in Ceramics Monthly throughout his career and was named an Indiana Heritage Fellow in 2023.

Featured speaker Dick Lehman will share about his unique Oni Glazing process, share stories from his career as a studio potter, and travels around the world at our Spring Surfaces Workshop.

Dick Lehman has been a potter for over 50 years in the northern Indiana region.

Since graduating, Breana has worked as an educator and resident artist with the American Museum of Ceramic Art, the Lillstreet Art Center, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Join us at IndianaClay.org

Her practice revolves predominantly around surface and ornamentation through the integration of hand building, throwing, painting, and printmaking to craft pots with loaded layered surfaces.