Our Cast of Characters

Our team is comprised of uniquely talented individuals.

Newt Lale

Newt Lale

Newt was exposed to pottery while at Texas A&M studying for a degree in Architecture. As he completed his degree, his heart was lost to clay and he immediately went to work as a potter. He moved to Arkansas in quest of cheap land and built a studio in 1979. He settled on a ridge overlooking the town of Osage and established Osage Clayworks.

Amy McGehee

Amy McGehee

Amy grew up 10 miles from Osage and began working with clay as a child when she would dig clay out of the road cut beside her house. The love continued and she took a night class in pottery while completing her degree in elementary special education at UCA. While making pottery at Pickles Gap in Conway, AR, Amy met Newt during a craft show in Memphis, TN. They married in 1984 turning Osage Clayworks into a family business.

Donald Stave & Jessa Lea Lale-Stave

Donald Stave & Jessa Lea Lale-Stave

Jessa Lea, the only daughter of Newt and Amy, cut her teeth on clay. She has recently returned to the business. She makes some pottery, but primarily acts as our business advisor while she completes her MBA. 

Donald, husband of Jessa, beloved of our hearts, and a darn good potter, keeps us laughing and brings his keen insight to every situation. Donald makes much of our slab dinnerware.

Cindy Earwood

Cindy Earwood

Cindy has been a part of the Osage Clayworks family since 2013. She is the maker of soap dishes, keeper of customer contact, and emotional balm to everyone she meets. In her other life, Cindy is a Special Education teacher.

Nicky Severs

Nicky Severs

Nicky officially joined us in 2016, but as Jessa’s best friend in high school, she has been part of the family for years. While Nicky is skilled with clay and takes care of the showroom, she shines as our pet wrangler. Animals will always be her greatest love and we appreciate the care she gives the four (and sometimes three) legged members of the family.

Maryan Pannell

Maryan Pannell

Maryan came onboard in 2017 and wears many hats. She is amazing with our guests! Additionally, Maryan is an avid gardner and helps keep our many plants lush and green. Maryan makes  many of the crochet items found in the store. If that isn’t enough, she is an amazing cook and frequently brings us home-baked goodies.

Kevin Miller

Kevin Miller

Kevin moved to town in 2017, walked into the store, sat down at the wheel, threw a pot, and has been with us ever since. His aptitude with clay continues to amaze us all. He is a true artist. Additionally, he has great skill sets in many areas and is good help when things break down.

Sam McDaniels

Sam McDaniels

Sam joined our family in 2017. He is our caregiver to many animals, keeper of lawns, sweeper of floors, and scraper of batts. Sam is learning to throw as he explores his career options.

David McDaniels

David McDaniels

David, Sam’s brother, is a master of slab work. Joining us in 2018, he is happy with his ear buds in and a smooth, new slab of clay to work on. David is a sculptor at heart and we expect to see more work from him in that vein.