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With over 26 years of experience teaching at the elementary through university levels, the founder of Curiouser Clay, Eli Zemper, knows what it takes to make learning fun and engaging.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, Eli has also coached a roller derby team, facilitated groups at the University of Michigan ropes course, and created playful activities for Odyssey Works’ Library of Experiences.
On the creative side, Eli has studied glass-blowing with Annette Baron, ceramics at the University of Michigan and Penland School of Crafts, and experience design with Odyssey Works. Her formal education includes a BA in English, poetry, and theater from the University of Michigan and an MA in Education from Marygrove College. Eli’s current efforts are centered around reducing daily stresses by creating clay workshops that “make it better” through clay projects that encourage creative enrichment, community building, and mental wellness.
Eli is awesome! My son isn’t the arts and crafts type, so it took some convincing to get him to make a fairy door. He’s on the autism spectrum, so people aren’t always patient with him. Eli was SO good with him and my son actually had a good time! Definitely try Curiouser Clay. It’s a great experience. Eli even threw in a ceramic welcome sign when I picked up the fairy door!
Eli is an awesome instructor! I loved taking the clay class with a few good friends. The atmosphere was relaxed yet with clear steps to create something creative and special. We encouraged each other throughout the process and I felt successful when the session ended. I can’t wait to see the final product and to go back and make more memories!
Eli’s space is bright and welcoming, and she truly fosters curiosity! I kept asking, “What happens if I…?” and her response was always, “You can try that!” This was the right class for me as a total beginner because the step-by-step directions were super clear, and the pace was relaxed. I let go of my perfectionism and let myself play with clay!
I had my first experience working in a ceramics studio. It was a relaxed atmosphere, so there was no pressure to make this “perfect” piece. There were lots of options to make what you wanted. I was able with some assistance of my instructor to make a pie plate and add my own design which I really liked. I can’t wait to go back for the next phase which is to paint my piece.
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