Valerie began teaching at the Arts Center in its 7th St location more than 20 years ago. In the late 90s she became the Marketing Director for the newly founded St. Pete Clay Company. What started as a small local endeavor soon grew to demand a larger venue. Beth Morean, Valerie’s longtime friend, purchased the Historic Train Station in 2000, and the original partners set the stage for what would, years later, become the finest ceramic arts center on the Eastern seaboard. As the Director of the Morean Center for Clay, Valerie has overseen the transformation from a small business to a thriving magnet for ceramic arts. With the Florida Heat Workshops now attracting international presenters and participants, and the CreateSpace Children’s Art Experience on the horizon, Valerie has set her sights on the legacy of the MCC. “Our job is and always has been to get out into the local community and to make a difference, especially with the children. We change little lives every day.” After all that she has accomplished, Valerie is still a teacher at heart.

Collection of the Artist