The best part of grade school for Sam came at the end of the year. That’s when her art teacher rewarded a well-behaved class with a special project – clay sculpture. Many years later, that love of clay was revived when Sam’s dogsitter suggested she look into classes at Baltimore Clayworks. From the feel of clay when it’s centered on the wheel, to an overnight spent feeding a wood kiln, to specialty classes on majolica, printing techniques, jewelry making, and mosaics, she loved it all. To feed her growing clay addiction, Sam also volunteered at the Clayworks gallery manning the desk, selling supplies to fellow students, and helping set up new exhibits. She even used the hand-building techniques she learned to create birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends (while of course remembering to keep clay and fondant tools separate).