Susan McDade, Clay Studio Assistant

Susan was first introduced to clay as a senior in high school. She fell in love with clay and pursued her passion through formal education, earning a BFA from West Virginia University, and an MFA from Ohio University. From there, she went on to teach at Spirit Square Center for the Arts in Charlotte, NC, while exhibiting in juried shows and selling at art fairs.

In 1993 with the birth of her daughter, Susan decided to pursue a path with less travel. She obtained her real estate license and became a Relocation Corporate Accounts Manager for a large real estate company, managing and cultivating group moves for firms in Charlotte and the surrounding area. She later moved to real estate sales, specializing in relocation clients and seniors.

In 2020, Susan decided she was missing something in her life, and decided it was time to go back to clay. She became a studio potter at SASi (The Southern Arts Society) in Kings Mountain and started making art again. In 2021, she retired from real estate, and moved to Tryon with her husband Doug and dog Casey. She now calls Tryon and TACS home and has found the missing piece in clay!