Welcome to Deanne’s Corner, also known as our Mud Makers Blog Page! Here you will find answers to questions regarding all things ceramics, quotes about clay work, art and life, photos of Mud Makers events, and whatever else we think needs to be posted here.

We are calling this page Deanne’s Corner to honor a beloved Mud Maker who passed away in Spring 2025. Deanne spent 25 very active years in Prescott and was known for her gift of connecting people, particularly in the arts. In addition to being an accomplished potter and showing her work all around Northern Arizona (much of it in collaboration with metal artist Barb Andress), Deanne also taught pottery out of her large studio. She was a real instigator and was involved in starting initiatives like Art Escape and the Prescott Artists Studio Tour, which continues to be the biggest yearly art event in Prescott. When Mud Makers was formed, Deanne became immediately involved and attended nearly every potluck and workshop. She saw the potential for Mud Makers to create a community around ceramics and to bring the joy and healing qualities of clay arts to others who need it most. When she learned we had decided to become a proper business, she just rolled her eyes and said, “It’s about time!”

Deanne left us too soon, but she left us the contents of her studio, a generous gesture of confidence in our mission. She had many books on ceramics and art, as well as a rocking chair. When we find a physical home for Mud Makers, we plan to have “Deanne’s Corner”, where people can rest a bit in her chair and peruse one of her many books before getting back to work. We feel her generous spirit working in us as we build this new initiative.