We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maxine Krasnow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maxine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My son and I bought a 5700 square foot property on half an acre. It was so scary but the building has so much potential. Our dream is that it becomes the Clay Art Center for the state of Arizona

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am not sure why. But I seem to be good at starting community pottery centers. In 1978, I founded Supermud Pottery on New York City’s Upper West Side. It is now over 45 years old. In 2000, I founded Muse Pottery now known as the
Tucson Clay Co-op. I have always made my living teacher pottery, managing potteries and also selling
my own fine functional stoneware pottery.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have always wanted to share what I learned from pottery with other people. it makes my heart sing, when one of my students tell me they want to be a pottery. I enjoy
being able to offer a work study program so that lack of money does not stop
someone from having the opportunity to take classes. I also like to make beautiful
functional pottery offered at affordable prices.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When the Covid Pandemic hit, I stayed strong and flexible. i opened an outdoor school and gallery. It was a risk but I am quite delighted that we now have two schools, one indoor and one
outdoor.

Contact Info:

• Website: tucsonclaycoop-.com
• Instagram: tucsonclayco-op
• Facebook: Tucson Clay Co-op
• Yelp: Tucson Clay Co-op
• Other: Instagram and TikTok Tucsonclayco-op