OUR TEAM
KC Clay Guild thrives thanks to a dedicated team of staff, instructors, board members, and volunteers who share a passion for ceramics and community. From expert instructors guiding students of all skill levels to the leadership ensuring our non-profit studio continues to grow, each person plays a vital role in keeping our creative space thriving. Get to know the people who make KC Clay Guild a welcoming and inspiring place for all! |
Director of Development and Programming |
| Louis Reilly Louis came to KC Clay Guild as an Artist in Residence in 2014 following the completion of a BFA at University of Missouri-Columbia and a MFA at Utah State University. Louis worked with the KCCG Board of Directors to create the part time Studio Coordinator position in 2015, KCCG's first employee since 1988. In June 2020 Louis transitioned into a full time role. Louis' scope of work includes upkeep of the studio and building, fundraising and grant writing, managing the Artist in Residence program, and working with the Board of Directors to ensure the KCCG does everything we can to fulfill our mission statement. Louis is currently teaching the Wednesday morning wheel throwing class. Louis maintains a studio practice in which he makes soda fired pottery for the home. He has a home studio, but his work is soda fired at KC Clay Guild. Louis lives in Lee's Summit, MO with his wife, April and son, Owen. Please do not hesitate to contact Louis with any questions you may have about KC Clay Guild at studio@kcclayguild.org |
EDUCATION COORDINATOR |
| Amy Troester Amy has been working with clay for nearly two decades and has been a member of the KC Clay Guild since 2010. She’s been teaching off and on for the last few years and is excited to take this new position where she can connect with more people, and help this great organization grow. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, prestige television dramas, podcasts about social issues and economics, and mixing cocktails for friends. Contact Amy with any questions regarding our education programming at edco@kcclayguild.org |
STUDIO MANAGER |
| Alex Watson 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 at tech@kcclayguild.org |
THE BOARD |
| Josh Wood - President 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. Josh can be reached at president@kcclayguild.org. |
| John M. Devaney - Vice President John's involvement with the KC Clay Guild began in 2010 when he took a UMKC-sponsored Communiversity class with his daughter. This course reignited his passion for ceramics, which he had first explored years earlier in college. In 2012, he became a member of the Guild, started taking formal classes, and began volunteering. Over the past decade, John has dedicated himself to supporting and enhancing the Guild’s mission and growth. For the last ten years, John has served on the KC Clay Guild Board, holding a variety of leadership roles. He initially chaired the Building Maintenance Committee, where he worked closely with volunteers to improve the studio’s facilities. Later, he served as Chair of the Education Committee, collaborating with Studio Director Louis Riley and class instructors to ensure a positive experience for students. In the past four Board terms, John has served as Vice President, assisting with administration, policy development, and initiatives such as securing CARE Act Payroll Protection Program funding during the COVID-19 shutdown. Looking ahead, John is focused on continuing to support the Guild’s growth and development, particularly through fundraising efforts aligned with the Guild’s strategic plan. He aims to contribute to the purchase, repair, and equipping of a new studio building, while also protecting the Guild’s operations during the nearby $98 million apartment/retail complex construction project. John is committed to expanding membership and increasing access to ceramics for all communities in the greater Kansas City area. With a background in non-profit organizations and legal expertise, John brings valuable skills to the Board, contributing to the Guild’s ongoing success in meeting its community education and outreach goals. He can be reached at vicepresident@kcclayguild.org |
| Melissa May - Treasurer 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. Contact her at treasurer@kcclayguild.org with any questions. |
 | Laura Tyler Strawn - Secretary secretary@kcclayguild.org 1. Why are you interested in serving on the KC Clay Guild Board? I started taking classes at the KC Clay Guild in 2016, volunteered as a monitor, and then started serving on the board in 2018. The Clay Guild has become a really important community for me and I love being a part of it. I think now especially is a very exciting time to be a part of the guild, as we fundraise and search for a new potential building for expansion. I really enjoy being a part of that process and look forward to seeing how the KC Clay Guild continues to grow in the future. I also feel very strongly about the Guild’s mission as a non profit ceramic studio in making ceramics accessible and affordable to the Kansas City community. 2. Describe your skills, experience, and interests and how you might put it to use as a KC Clay Guild Board Member. I think my background in the arts and ceramics, my prior experience on the board, and my experience in marketing for non profits have been beneficial in serving on the board, and I think would continue to do so. I received my BFA and MFA in studio art and it has taken me down a few different avenues of working in the arts over the past 10+ years. I’ve had the opportunity to teach, work in a high production ceramic studio, and sell my own work. I have served on the board since 2018 as workshop chair and secretary, and have helped in organizing the holiday and spring sales. I also really enjoy serving on the strategic planning committee and helping strategize how the KC Clay Guild can continue to grow and serve our community in the future. Professionally, I transitioned out of a career in the arts to work for a marketing agency that works exclusively with local non profits. It’s been really exciting for me to take things I learn in this role and apply those skills to fundraising and marketing ideas for the KC Clay Guild. I would really like to continue with those thoughts and ideas in helping the guild fundraise and expand to a larger building. And in a personal sense, I try to be a good team player and am conscientious about making decisions that I hope are best and accessible for the members of the Clay Guild at large. I always really enjoy getting to know people and be a part of the guild’s community. I would love the opportunity to continue to serve on the board and help continue its growth. |
| Abby Callaghan - Education Chair Abby has been a dedicated member of the KC Clay Guild since 2017, initially joining as a teacher and later serving on the board as Education Chair since 2020. Her passion for ceramics and education drives her commitment to expanding arts education in the community. Abby is particularly focused on the Guild’s mission to make art accessible by lowering barriers for individuals of all skill levels. With a background in ceramics and education, Abby holds a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) and a Masters in Teaching, which she earned in 2019. Over the years, she has taught elementary art and actively contributed to shaping the Guild’s educational offerings. Abby’s work includes developing a comprehensive curriculum, writing instructor guidelines, and adding new classes, such as an additional handbuilding class, to meet the needs of the Guild’s diverse members. She has also collaborated with the education coordinator and workshop chair to create more monthly workshops, ensuring that there are constant opportunities for learning and growth. Abby has played a pivotal role in organizing programs such as Volunteer Raku Night and the relaunch of the On the MOVE program, creating more opportunities for volunteers and residents to engage with the Guild’s activities. She has been deeply involved in the Guild’s strategic planning efforts, including working on the acquisition of a new building, and she looks forward to seeing this project come to fruition. Contact her at education@kcclayguild.org with any questions. |
| Cindy Percival - Membership and Outreach Chair membership@kcclayguild.org | donations@kcclayguild.org Cindy retired a few years ago and moved back to Kansas City in 2019, reconnecting with the KC Clay Guild community she loves. After being a member for some time, she decided to get more involved and contribute to the Guild’s growth. With over 20 years of experience in clay, Cindy has worked with a variety of techniques, including wheel throwing, handbuilding, sgraffito, underglaze painting, Raku, and wood firing. She’s also fired pieces in the Guild’s soda kiln. Although she works from her home studio, Cindy enjoys connecting with others at the Guild to exchange ideas and inspiration. Cindy’s professional background as a Project Coordinator for mechanical, electrical, and architectural companies brings valuable skills in organization, event planning, and document management. Having been part of clay communities in both Kansas City and the Bay Area, she’s excited to bring her experience and ideas to the board and continue supporting the Guild’s growth. |
 | Cynthia Brown - Volunteer Chair volunteers@kcclayguild.org 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. |
| David Firman - Gallery Chair gallery@kcclayguild.org 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. |
| Kelsie Herron - Publicity Chair publicity@kcclayguild.org 1) Why are you interested in serving on the KC Clay Guild Board? I hope to continue to serve on the KC Clay Guild Board because I have loved watching and being a part of all of the growth our organization has gone through since i first joined the board in 2019. It has been a joy to see so many people join our community, have events sell out, break records with our sales, gather funding for new equipment, constantly be at capacity, etc. I know the guild is capable of far more expansiveness. This expansiveness will in turn impact our community by allowing us to have the space to ensure accessibility of art to all that we can- and I look forward to hopefully contributing that. 2) Describe your skills, experience, and interests and how you might put it to use as a KC Clay Guild Board Member. 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. Thank you for your consideration. |
| Deborah Kashyap - Workshops and Events Chair workshops@kcclayguild.org 1. I have received so much from KCCG and I'd love the opportunity to give back. I moved home to Kansas city in 2022 after about a decade away. Since returning to KC, KCCG has become a home away from home for me. Aside from the incredible facility that allows for so much learning and creativity, the warm and inclusive community of artists at The Guild have become an important part of my life. I am especially impressed by KCCG's commitment to community involvement and bringing art to otherwise underserved people and places. Having lived all over the country, and used pottery studios in several of the places I've lived, I've found that KCCG is a truly special and unusual place. We are very lucky to have such a thriving and successful community-run arts space. As an active member of this community, I'd love the opportunity to represent our members' voices on the board. 2. I've served the guild as a volunteer monitor for about a year now, and also served on the volunteer committee and on the spring sale committee. In these positions I've been fortunate to get to know many members of our community and of our current board, and to hear and understand their various perspectives on Guild events and operations. I spend a lot of time at KCCG (too much, according to my dog). This has allowed me to develop relationships and establish open communication with members, board members, and visitors to The Guild. On the board, I'd be able to bring community perspectives into decision making that impacts our KCCG community. I started playing with clay in high school, and was admitted to several ceramics programs for my BFA. But as my husband says, I got mixed up with the wrong crowd and chose a different path. I received a B.S. from KU in Strategic Communication with a minor in Germanic Language and Literature, and a J.D. from DePaul University. Aside from a few trips here and there to local studios in the various places I lived between high school and now, I had about a 23 year break from pottery. I returned to ceramics in 2001 at a small studio in upstate NY. The studio allowed limited opportunities to work and learn pottery, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have access to KCCG. I am very vocal about how fortunate Kansas City is to have a space like ours, and on the board would do all I can to help this organization thrive. For previous experience serving community organizations, I served as Kitchen Director, Vice President, and President of the Binghamton German Club in Binghamton, NY. In these positions I honed skills in many areas of organizational management, including membership retention and expansion, spearheading diversity and inclusivity initiatives, community outreach, event planning and marketing, volunteer recruitment and management, and facility management of our 8 acre property, event space, and beer garden. I'd love to use these skills to serve KCCG in whatever capacity our membership and board thinks I'd be most useful. |
