A Little About Our Team
Ceramic Materials Workshop is a place online to understand and explore how and why our Clay and Glazes work (and don’t work). Our materials speak for us in the home and gallery. It benefits us to learn about how to speak through our materials.
Meet the Founders
The CMW Founders Have a Love for Each Other and Glaze Chemistry
Ceramic Materials Workshop (CMW) was founded in 2016 by Rose & Matt Katz. Together they have over 40 years of combined ceramic material experience, both in the field and in the classroom. Their penchant to dive deeper and explore glaze and clay chemistry has allowed them to truly master all types of ceramic materials in a format that is easy for students of all levels.
Today they share a workshop in the New England region of the US with their 2 boys and several furry friends.
Rose Katz
Before CMW, Rose worked in the tile industry as a clay and glaze engineer for over 10 years after receiving her B.F.A. from Alfred in ceramic art. She also spent many years as an independent artist and production potter. Rose’s maker and industry experience combined with her love of ceramic materials makes her background and knowledge truly special.
Matt says…
“Rose…has all the brains.”
Matt Katz
Matt Katz is a working ceramic artist with a B.F.A from Alfred and M.F.A. from the University of Colorado-Boulder. His background includes working as a ceramic engineer and researcher for over 20 years including 15 years of teaching ceramic materials for artists at Alfred University. Matt is an experienced online educator who loves to use his knowledge of art and engineering to make ceramic science understandable for makers of all experience levels.
Rose says…
”Matt…tells bad Dad jokes, but knows his stuff”
The CMW Team
Rose and Matt Can’t do it Alone…Meet the Rest of the CMW Team!
Kyra Lysynecky – Business Manager
Kyra came on board in 2021 to keep things running smoothly at CMW, giving Rose and Matt more space to dream big. With over 30 years of sales and marketing experience, she’s seen it all — from scrappy startups to big-name companies — and brings that energy and know-how to the team every day.
Aly Ruybalid – Marketing Associate
Alyx joined us in November 2024 and brings a mix of tech know-how and creative marketing flair. From building digital campaigns to designing eye-catching visuals, Alyx loves helping ideas come to life online and finding new ways to connect with people.
Bill Katz – Video Production
Retired doctor, outdoorsman, avid barbershopper, snappy dresser and grandfather
Julia Spielman – Ceramic Materials Lab Assistant
Julia is a recent graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she majored in ceramics and took a special interest in ceramic chemistry. She has experience working with mold making in both plaster and silicone and during her senior year, she focused on crystalline glazes research and testing.
Marissa D’Alessandro – Ceramic Materials Lab Assistant
Marissa received her Bachelor’s degree in Painting from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has experience in embroidery production and customer service and has also studied in Italy. Most recently she designed and curated wall murals for a corporate client.
Our Furry Friends
Roxy, Nova, Tassie+Roux and Liddy Have a Lot to Say About Ceramics
