Susanne Stephenson’s work uses bright colors, thick textures, and spontaneous forms to exude energy. She became a member of the American Craft Council College of Fellows in 2010.

Peter Voulkos changed the face of ceramic art in America as he fostered abstract expressionism through infusing the power of painting into the charisma of clay.

Rudolf Staffel created vessels that emphasize the elusive physical characteristics of the material: its ability to reflect and gather light as well as its translucency and plasticity. He received the American Craft Council’s Gold Medal in 1995.

Rudy Autio, 1999 American Craft Council Gold Medalist, was at the forefront of the contemporary ceramics movement; his ceramic vessels - with painterly surfaces and imagery that draws from mythological themes - became iconic for their striking appearance and technical mastery.

The most distinctive characteristic of Ruth Duckworth's artwork are its many permutations and organic forms. She received the American Craft Council’s Gold Medal in 1997.

Gertrud and Otto Natzler quickly found success in the clay field by combining Gertrud’s remarkable throwing and Otto’s mastery of glazes. The Natzlers jointly received the American Craft Council’s Gold Medal in 2001.

Paul Soldner was well-known for developing “American raku” and low temperature salt firing. He received the American Craft Council’s Gold Medal in 2008.

Warren MacKenzie, 1998 American Craft Council Gold Medalist, is one of the most influential functional potters in American history. He uses form, color, and surface to create striking, expressive pottery.

William Daley is a leading figure in contemporary ceramics and is known for his large, unglazed stoneware vessels. He received the American Craft Council’s Gold Medal in 2003.

Stephen De Staebler received the American Craft Council Gold Medal award in 2012 and was a sculptor known for his grand human clay forms.

The Clay Studio is a nonprofit institution with a focus on education and outreach, best known for it's large impact among a wide range of emerging artists, the Clay Studio received the American Craft Council College of Fellows Award of Distinction in 2014.

Toshiko Takaezu, an American Craft Council Gold Medalist (1994), was an inspirational artist whose closed vessels and asymmetrical forms blend Eastern and Western traditions, recalling the landscape of her native Hawaii.