Biography

Diane Walls grew up in the Tampa Bay area with a deep appreciation for the arts and design, being influenced by her family of architects and artists.

After earning her B.A. degree in Visual Communications at Florida State University, Diane began an extensive graphic design career in the world of print and digital media. Work led her to New York City, Tampa, and Atlanta. She first worked as an advertising art director and then operated her own graphic design studio for over 20 years.

All the while she also made pottery, avidly taking clay classes at various community art centers, as well as workshops at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN; Shakerag Workshops in Sewanee, TN; Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts in Asheville, NC; John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC; and others.

Moving to Huntsville, AL in 2002, to marry a NASA engineer, Diane transitioned from working in graphic design to the world of clay. She creates functional pottery and one-of-a-kind architectural ceramics for dining, home decor, and outdoor spaces. Diane primarily creates with stoneware which is oxidation-fired.

The studio name, Clay Dog Design describes three passions that Diane shares with joy and inspiration, to simply make the world a better place.

Shows

Monte Sano Art Show, Huntsville, AL – 2011

Alabama Designer Craftsmen Fall Show, Birmingham, AL – 2012

Alabama Clay Market, Alabama Clay Conference, Gadsden, AL –  2016

Professional & Community Involvement

Deputy Director, Alabama Clay Conference, Huntsville, AL – 2009

Founder, North Alabama Potters Association – 2008

Exhibiting Member, Alabama Designer Craftsmen, 2012 – present

Deputy Director, Monte Sano Art Festival, Huntsville, AL – 2013

Committee Chair, Monte Sano Art Festival Lodge Exhibit, Huntsville, AL – 2013

Judge, dreamArchitecture Awards, American Institute of Architets/Alabama Center for Architecture, Huntsville, AL – 2016