Carla is the Founder and Owner of Sarasota Clay Company (formally Carla's Clay). She has been teaching and working with clay for most of her life. A wonderful teacher for beginners and experienced potters, she strives to create a welcoming, familial atmosphere at the Studio.

Kristen graduated from University of Montevallo, Montevallo AL where she cultivated her love of ceramics and metal arts. She incorporates hand-building and altered techniques to her wheel thrown pieces, pushing the boundaries between form and function.  “Most sculptures I create are crossbreeds between unicellular organisms, simple machines, and alchemical tools; many of them have curious personalities and questionable functions. The outcome of combining all of this subject matter is a collective body of work that I could describe as a quaint, surreal, alchemy lab in a space wizards’ cave. The intention is to cause the viewer to question what it is they’re looking at, whether it be functional, sculptural, or reminiscent of some type of living form. My art is not meant to provide any concrete answer, but to provoke a sense of wonder.”

Justin Mastrangelo is a lifelong artist with a background in graphic design and a love for ceramics. He began wood firing pottery in 2015 during an artist residency at Salem Art Works. During a two-year apprenticeship at Clinton Pottery, he developed his knowledge of production potter. Justin’s work shows a dedication to craftsmanship, skill, and time-honored tradition.

Josh graduated from Florida State University in 2009 with degrees in Studio Art and Art History. With a focus in photography, he later moved into ceramics which led to teaching high school and adult education. Mr. Holbrook moved back to Florida with his wife and began teaching art at Sarasota Military High. His approach is grounded in a phrase his first ceramics professor taught, “love the process, not the product”. Josh’ work has been shown in galleries in Florida, Virginia and with Naples Art Crafters.

Margaret is the Studio Manager for Sarasota Clay Company and teaches the Saturday Intro to Wheel classes. Margaret graduated from SCAD in 2011 with her BFA. While her focus is wheel-thrown functional ware, she is always up for expanding her creativity and skills when it comes to sculpture and hand building.

Kait graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2023 with her BA in Visual Studies with Minors in : Fine Arts, Film Studies, and Art History. She began working here as a sophomore in college back in 2021 and has continued to dedicate her time on the weekends. As a studio assistant and part-time teacher of the Kids & Clay classes, Kait strives to combine her knowledge of traditional illustration, color theory, and 3D Modeling to cultivate creativity and originality. "I've found that teaching at Sarasota Clay Company has taught me so much more than just how to work with clay. Whether it's learning how to explain directions in various ways depending on student needs and growing as a teacher to learning how to take proper care of a studio space, Sarasota Clay Company opens my eyes every time I step through the door. I think this studio is a wonderful place to learn and grow because you are surrounded by so many talented artists and kind souls."

Ms. Calvert works in her home studio. Inspiration for her work comes from daily life, the pure joy of observation. Clay demands an attentive relationship. D’ is happiest during those quiet studio hours when time ceases to exist. Ms. Calvert is a seasonal Instructor at Sarasota Clay Company. She has exhibited at Orlando Museum of Art, Art Center Sarasota, Art Center Manatee, Florida CraftArt, R.C.A.D, and is in collections nationally. Her experience includes teaching at Ringling College of Art and Design Continuing Education, Wildacres Retreat, and attending workshops with Michael Sherrill, Matt Long, Ron Meyers, Elaine and Tom Coleman, Robert Boomer, Brad Schwieger, Gay Smith, and Nick Joerling. These experiences were invaluable and the class notes are a frequent source of reference.

Born & raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Natasha Dikareva now lives in Sarasota, Florida. Her ceramic sculptures explore interconnections between biological systems, mythology, and contemporary technology. Drawing on her Eastern European background, her work bridges cultural and linguistic barriers, speaking to the common experience of life. She received her BFA in graphics and drawing from the Kiev State Academy of Art and Design and her MFA in ceramics and sculpture from the University of Minnesota. In 2012 she won the Grand Prize at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. Her work is featured in various publications, including 500 Prints on Clay and New Ceramics European magazine, and is held in public and private collections. She exhibits locally and internationally. Read more about Natasha on her website: dikarevart.com.