Welcome Product Discovery 2023 Attendees!

Crista Toler entered the ceramics industry in 1997 when she opened her studio, Stroke of Genius, in Wilmington, NC.  During that time she served on the CCSA Board of Directors in a variety of roles including President, Member Benefits Director and Supplier Liaison. She joined Mayco in July 2013 as Studio Market Manager. Crista’s passion and varied experience, from studio owner to bisque supplier and color manufacturer – give her unique insight in the industry. She believes in loving what you do and is thankful to work with the fun and creative people that make up our organization. 

Sandi spent years in retail management before changing careers. She then taught marketing and entrepreneurship for 12 years, but owning a business was what she really wanted to do. After visiting a studio in California, she came home, wrote a business plan, and started her first PYOP studio in San Antonio in 2001. In 2014 a studio in New Braunfels was for sale and she purchased that one. Along the way, Sandi served on the CCSA’s Board of Directors and served as the President of CCSA. In 2020, Sandi sold her San Antonio studio to “semi-retire”.  Sandi continues to operate Clay Casa New Braunfels and also works as an Independent Consultant for Mayco. 

Tim McPherson is a household name in the vibrant world of painting. He has been teaching painting classes to art enthusiasts for over 30 years now and is highly regarded as one of the industry’s finest in the field.  In addition to teaching workshops all across the country, Tim works as Creative Partner for Mayco.