Where Clay Meets Community
Michigan Art Center has been a creative home for artists of all skill levels since 2013. We believe making things by hand changes people — and we've built a studio where that can happen every day.
Our Story
Michigan Art Center was founded in 2013 with a simple idea: that everyone deserves access to a real working studio and the guidance to use it. What started as a small ceramics space in Garden City has grown into a full-service art center offering classes in ceramics, jewelry, and fiber arts.
We're not a big-box craft store or a weekend pop-up. We're a working studio — with real kilns, real tools, and instructors who are practicing artists themselves. Our students range from curious beginners picking up clay for the first time to experienced makers who come for the community as much as the craft.
Over the years we've hosted hundreds of students, fired thousands of pieces, and watched people discover something they didn't know they needed. That's what keeps us going.
Meet our Owner, Alka Srivastava
From Technology to Pottery — A Journey of Passion, Creativity and Community
Sometimes life takes you in directions you never imagined, and that's exactly how my journey with Michigan Art Center began.
A Little About Me
For more than 30 years, I built my career in information technology, working on large projects, solving problems, and managing complex systems. But creativity has always been part of who I am. From painting and arts and crafts during my school and college years to exploring
jewelry making, gardening, laser cutting, and 3D printing, I've always enjoyed learning
something new and creating with my hands.
In 2022, I joined Michigan Art Center as a pottery student, thinking I would take a few
classes and enjoy working with clay. Little did I know that this decision would completely change my life.
From Pottery Student to Studio Owner
What started as a hobby slowly became something much more meaningful. As a student, I experienced firsthand what makes MAC special—the instructors, the friendships, the creativity, and the wonderful community of people who share a love for pottery. Over time, I began imagining what the studio could become with some improvements, new equipment, and additional opportunities for students and artists.
After a journey of nearly a year and a half, I officially became the owner of Michigan Art Center on February 4, 2026. It was an exciting new chapter, but also a huge responsibility. I wasn't simply purchasing a business. I was taking responsibility for a creative community that already meant so much to me.
A New Chapter for MAC
One of my biggest goals was to create a cleaner, safer, more organized, and welcoming environment for everyone. We began renovating the studio while continuing to operate, which certainly came with its share of challenges! From construction delays and unexpected power outages to coordinating equipment, instructors, and daily classes, it was a learning experience in every possible way. But every improvement had a purpose. We added new sinks, improved electrical systems, air cleaners, additional kilns, equipment, expanded shelving, student storage, and refreshed our gallery and studio spaces.
On October 2, 2026, we celebrated our Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting. Seeing our students, instructors, staff, friends, family, and community members come together was incredibly emotional and rewarding. It reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. MAC is more than a pottery studio. It's a place where people connect, learn, create, and feel a sense of belonging.
Art, Community & Giving Back
Giving back to the community has always been close to my heart. Through my involvement with the Detroit Indian Women's Association (DIWA), I've had the opportunity to organize and participate in projects such as making fleece blankets, crocheting hats for children and newborns, creating sleeping mats from recycled plastic bags, and supporting people in need. I hope to bring that same spirit of community service to MAC.
Our students and instructors have already contributed handmade bowls for the Empty Bowls initiative, and I look forward to expanding our partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. For me, art becomes even more meaningful when it brings people together and helps others.
My Vision for Michigan Art Center
My vision is to continue building MAC into a vibrant creative space where beginners feel comfortable trying pottery for the first time, experienced artists can continue growing, and everyone feels welcome.
I want to expand our classes, workshops, private pottery experiences, children's programs, and opportunities for local artists to showcase their work.
I also believe that a healthy, clean, and well-organized studio is essential to a great creative experience.
And most importantly, I want MAC to remain a place where friendships are formed, ideas are shared, and creativity is encouraged.
A Message From Me
During my recent podcast with Garden City Community Chat, I was asked what I would say to someone who has never considered themselves an artist.
My answer is simple:
"You don't have to be born an artist. Creativity is something you discover along the way."
I am a perfect example. After spending over three decades in technology, I never imagined that one day I would own a pottery studio! You don't need any experience to begin. You don't have to create something perfect. Just come in, get your hands in the clay, enjoy the process, and see where your creativity takes you. After all, that's exactly how my journey began.
Come Play with Clay!
Staff
Amy
Barb Johnson
Barb received her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University and her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University. After retiring from a career of teaching, she became a Certified Master Gardener from Michigan State University. In 2015, Barb found the Michigan Art Center and it became her home away from home. Barb occasionally works on the wheel, but really enjoys hand building with clay the most. Barb enjoys gardening, raising butterflies and sharing her love of clay with her students and friends.
Bobby Veresan
Bobby earned his BFA in Ceramics from the College for Creative Studies. As the Ceramic Studio Technician Manager at the Michigan Art Center, he oversees daily operations, manages kilns, maintains equipment, and monitors inventory. Known for his dedicated problem-solving, Bobby provides technical support, coordinates schedules, and trains community members in safe studio processes. He plays a vital role in ensuring a welcoming environment and helping artists at every stage of their creative journey succeed.
Cortney Matier
Cortney began exploring clay in elementary school and advanced her passion through specialized high school ceramics courses. While studying Early Childhood Development at Central Michigan University, she focused her Art minor credits on pottery and merged her cake decorating experience into ceramic slip-trailing techniques. Since joining the Michigan Art Center community in 2020, she has continually evolved her craft. Cortney currently teaches for Northville Public Schools and is eager to share her love for pottery with our community.
Dave Farmer
Dave embodies the Michigan Art Center's vision, transitioning from a beginner student seven years ago to a popular teacher and professional ceramic artist specializing in wheel throwing and surface treatments. A University of Michigan honors graduate, he believes the right support unlocks magic on the potter’s wheel. Dave’s classes are filled with laughter and excitement as students discover hidden talents and build community, proving that anyone can thrive with proper encouragement.
Eric Waldowski
Eric discovered pottery at age 12 and returned to the wheel after a decade away with an undiminished passion for creating. He loves exploring new forms, experimenting with surface techniques, and finding perfect glaze combinations. At the Michigan Art Center, Eric helps students with glazes, firing, kiln operations, and troubleshooting. Outside the studio, he enjoys golfing and being outdoors. His enthusiasm and dedication to helping others make him a valuable part of the community.
Erika Hanna
Erika brings over 25 years of metalsmithing experience and 20 years of K-12 art education expertise, including a decade at Wayne Memorial High School. She earned her BA and MA in Jewelry/Metalsmithing from Eastern Michigan University, specializing in advanced wire manipulation techniques. A passionate educator, Erika exhibits her work at regional fairs like Art in the Park and Milford Memories. She is dedicated to teaching metalsmithing and expanding community appreciation for creative wire art.
Gina Cunningham
I began pottery when I was living in SW Florida back in 2019. I have taken many weeklong
workshops through Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Pocosin School of Fine Crafts and the
John C. Campbell Folk School. I continue learning through online classes. I moved back to
Michigan in 2023. I’ve been at MAC since then and teaching since 2025. I mostly hand build,
gravitating towards whimsical things that make me smile.
Kelly Alton
Sara Petersen
Sara Petersen hails from Curtice, Ohio and received her degree in Public Relations from Kent State University. She spent many years recruiting in the skilled trades and then the tech industry. She started a pottery course in October 2022 at the Michigan Art Center after being laid off from Meta and never left! Sara believes in chasing failure and specializes in helping each student find their own specific style.
Therese Thompkins
Therese’s pottery journey began six years ago at the MAC alongside her daughter. She quickly fell in love with the craft, dedicating hours to open studio sessions. For the past three years, she has shared this passion by teaching one-time classes. Therese excels at breaking down wheel-throwing fundamentals for beginners. By blending hand-building with her background in drawing and painting, she inspires students to explore unique, expressive designs and add a personal touch to every piece.
Renée Deming
Renée is a community-minded pottery instructor with 30 years of diverse creative experience spanning graphic design, entrepreneurship, and floral artistry. A dedicated member of our studio community for over four years, Renée seamlessly blends her deep understanding of design foundations with extensive experience leading collaborative spaces. She specializes in guiding beginner students, bringing a passion for mentorship, and a warm, supportive approach to the studio to help new makers discover their own creative voice.