Kevin Nierman (founder, instructor and book creator) is an internationally known ceramic artist, a ceramics teacher, and the founder of the Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio in Berkeley, California.  He is best known and recognized for his cracked, reassembled raku vessels.  His work has been shown in art galleries throughout the country and featured in many national publications.  Over the past 20 years, Kevin's experience and passion for ceramics have been reflected in all his work, whether he is creating his own art, teaching children, or lecturing.  The nurturing teaching style that first formed the Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio in 1988 is the same style that, today, influences more than 200 children a week in a private studio setting.

Curtis Arima (Kids 'N' Clay instructor and book illustrator) is a metal and clay sculptor with over 10 years of ceramics experience whose work has been exhibited and sold in galleries and gift stores throughout the western United States.  He is also an instructor at the Kids 'N' clay Pottery Studio.  Curtis holds a BFA degree from the California College of Arts and Crafts.

Elaine Arima (the book writer) is a marketing communications professional with over 13 years experience managing creative projects and development teams.  She is currently a multi-media manager in the advertising industry and has written and produced interactive marketing CDs, web sites, and videos.  In her spare time she enjoys writing and is working on another children's book.  Elaine is a native Californian who received her BA degree in Advertising from San Jose State University, where she also studied art and ceramics.