Katie Baum
Art Clay Master Instructor

Katie Baum began focusing on metal clay full-time in 2007. With degrees in Biology, Psychology, and Education, she tries to balance creative expression with logical instructions, enabling students of all backgrounds to comfortably experiment with and learn about metal clay techniques. Promoted in 2014 to become Vice President of Art Clay World USA, Katie is also the company Buyer, part of the Marketing Department, and the Curriculum Coordinator. From 2007 – 2013, she was the Director of the international Art Clay Society. Her first book, Fine Silver Keepsakes, was co-authored with Art Clay Instructor Judi Hendricks and was published in July 2009 (Kalmbach). In November 2010, Katie was accepted as one of the Art Clay Master Instructors, of which there are only 7 in North America. Katie has been teaching across the U.S and internationally at venues including bead shops, home studios, galleries, conferences, trade shows (such as the Bead & Button Show and the Glass Craft Expo) and accredited schools/institutions. In the Chicago area, she has teaching relationships with Lillstreet Art Center, McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, and the Greater Chicago Artisan Center, of which she became the Director in November 2013. While metal clay is her most frequent medium of choice, Katie loves to work with many materials, including polymer clay, mixed metals, gold applications, chainmaille, resin, glass, wire, and various mixed media.