Claire McCarty was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1990. Growing up in the foothills of the Alleghany and Appalachian mountains, McCarty gained a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty in all things organic. McCarty works predominantly with clay; drawn to its raw origins and tangible possibilities. McCarty studied at Virginia Commonwealth University in the School of Arts program, graduating with a BFA in Art Education and minors in Craft/Material Studies and Art History. McCarty earned a scholarship to study at Penland School of Crafts, working with porcelain and examining clean, minimal design. She has participated in many shows around Virginia and sells her work in several stores including Addison Handmade & Vintage, Quirk Gallery, The Yellow Button, Black Sheep, Pastiche at Main, and Williams & Sherrill. McCarty currently resides in Richmond, Virginia, teaching ceramics at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond and St. Catherine’s School while also pursuing her goals as a professional artist. McCarty sells her tableware and accessories under the brand name, Bear Ceramics.