I'm an Artist with Michele Dowdell

“As soon as you walk in, there’s just a really good vibe here. Now I come to CAC almost every day, and I love it.”

Retiring in May 2025 opened a new chapter for ceramic artist Michelle Dowdell—one she didn’t expect would lead her to the studio almost every day. Drawn to the idea of finally trying the pottery wheel, she signed up for her first CAC Ceramics class after her husband gifted her a course. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a full creative practice fueled by CAC’s Ceramic Studios that she describes as welcoming, energizing, and full of possibility.

Michelle lights up when she talks about the atmosphere at CAC. She loves the easy conversations, the shared excitement over someone’s new piece, and the way students and staff naturally support each other. Even when people don’t know each other’s names, she says, “you just end up talking”—a testament to how open and encouraging the studio feels.

While she started on the wheel, Michelle recently found her stride in handbuilding. A spring class shifted her focus, and now sculpting is where she feels most expressive. Her proudest moment came from creating a handbuilt bird—an unexpected project that revealed a whole new layer of creativity.

Michelle’s warmth, talent, and daily presence have made her a bright spot in the hallway—and in our ceramics community.