Our Staff
Ruth Knoll - Founder
Ruth is a resident of Clinton, Michigan and the Founder of the Clinton Arts Center. Ruth has 30 years experience working on large collaborative community based projects. With a keen knowledge of technology, and an expertise in 501(c)3 start-ups, Ruth's experience serves the CAC and the greater community through her passion for economic development throughout the village.
Nancy Grott - Executive Director
Experienced in business start-ups, Nancy has owned her own company as well as coached and mentored hundreds of company employees and business owners during her 25 years in business.
Nancy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
"The best part of managing day to day operations is working on a project that assists in the economic development of Clinton, Michigan as well as create a vibrant place for creative endeavors"
Jane White - Ceramics Studio Manager
Jane manages the day to day studio operations and facility management for the Clinton Arts Center.
Jane's expertise is in ceramics education and studio management.
Jane has taught and worked in a variety of studios for the past 30 years.
Education:
BFA from Eastern Michigan University
MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Post Degree Teaching:
Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Center for Creative Studies, Ann Arbor Potters Guild, and Pewabic Pottery.
Management:
Ceramic Studio Lab Demonstrator for the University of Michigan, Kilnroom Manager, Fabrication Director, Adult Education Studio Manager at Pewabic Pottery.
Grant Recipient:
Michigan Individual Artist Grant
"The Ceramics Studio at the Clinton Arts Center offers beginners to experienced potters a full service experience with fast kiln turnaround and a vibrant ceramic community"
Susan Amstutz - Exhibitions & Special Events Manager, Digital and Traditional 2-D Art Studio Manager
Susan holds a dual degree in Scientific Illustration & Painting & Drawing from the University of Michigan, with a minor degree in Graphic Design.
She has worked as a graphic designer and educator for over 20 years, and was the owner of Black Door Gallery, in Tecumseh, MI.
Susan taught in the Visual Arts and Technology, Graphic Design Department, at Washtenaw Community College. She also taught at Ann Arbor Art Center and from her studio located in the Carnegie Library, in Tecumseh, MI. Classes taught by Susan include basic/advanced painting, drawing, graphic design, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
"The visual arts are a way to express yourself where words won't do"
Her art work can be found in private and corporate collections across the United States.
Kristine Haddox - Glass &Metals Studio Manager, Renaissance Woman
Kristine manages the CAC Glass and Metals Studio.
Kristine is a metalsmith, sculptor, glass, ceramics, 2D and textile artist. She also loves languages and gardening.
She holds a BFA from the University of North Texas and a MFA from Texas A & M University-Commerce.
She has taught at Texas Women’s University, Collin County Community College, Paris Junior College, all in Texas, and the Ann Arbor Art Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Kristine is an award winning artist whose work is in several private collections.
"If you can dream it, I can assist you in how to make it"
Mary Lou Olds - Marketing Coordinator
Mary Lou Olds has worked as a marketing professional for over 25 years. Her work experience and interests have given her the opportunity to become accomplished in new and traditional marketing, social media, and public relations. Her abilities include: small business marketing plan development and execution, social media marketing, online content writing and editing, public and media relations.
Mary Lou is Principal Consultant and Writer at Modern Language Marketing and recently served as manager of LA2M Ann Arbor. Her work experience includes online, television and radio marketing. She also worked in radio news.
Mary Lou graduated from the University of Nebraska with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish.
Mary Lou is a life-long artist. She has worked in a variety of media including: collage, drawing, painting, photography, and printmaking. Her endless curiosity has led her to explore various media and the nature of communication with the viewer. Each new project spurs her imagination and provides new tools for interaction with the observer. Mary Lou’s development as a mature artist is a result of talented instruction and extensive time in the studio. Her goal is to become more prolific, expressive and comfortable with a wide range of media.