“It wasn’t dirt, it was gold to me.” In this alchemical interview, Lindsey and Donte talk personal transformation, art resources, and community with Anna Morales.Anna is a ceramic artist and Public Engagement Coordinator at Verge Center for the Arts in Sacramento.She shares her experience catching the “clay bug”, the career path she chose that took her to Verge, and why you– yes you– should come say hi at Verge during NCECA and throughout the year.This interview is part of a series celebrating the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) convention coming to Sacramento March 16th-19th 2022.Do you have an arts center in your area? If so, share for your neighbors in the comments! If not, what kinds of resources would you want one to offer?Or tell us on social media (tag us so we can see it and use #themudpeddlers!)Links and ShoutoutsAnna Morales (@andromedas_galaxy on Instagram)Verge Center for the Arts (https://www.vergeart.com/classes/clay-lab/)NCECA Website (https://nceca.net/2022-sacramento/)About Your HostsLindsey M Dillon is an award-winning professional ceramic artist who makes nerdy mugs, creature sculptures, and cafe dishware. She has been working in clay since 2007, and doing so professionally since 2014. Her supernatural powers haven't manifested yet, but it's ok, she'll wait.Donte of Earth Nation Ceramics is a professional ceramic artist and Youtuber with over 60k artists in his community, all helping each other grow through their ceramic art journey one step at a time. He also has a massive addiction to boba milk tea and anime.Find LindseyWebsite (https://www.lindseymdillon.com/)Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/lindseymdillon/)Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/lindseymdillon)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lindseymdillon/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@lindseymdillon)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/lindseymdillon)Find DonteWebsite and online store (https://www.earthnationceramics.com/)Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/Earthnationceramics/posts)Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/earthnationceramics)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/earth_nation_ceramics/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@earthnationceramics)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EarthNationCeramics/)Join the Discord (https://discord.gg/Xtmwk7y)