Laura Maag Eckman grew up in the midwest (Ohio/Michigan) and fell in love with the arts in the 7th grade.  She has been working with clay for 29 years. 

In 1993, Laura moved to the San Francisco Bay area and got an Associates in Ceramics from Chabot College. She then continued on to Chico State for a BA in Art and a Teaching Credential.  Laura moved to Merced in 2002 to teach at Atwater High School, where she taught traditional art and started the Photography and Computer Graphics Programs. Laura then obtained a MA in Media Design from Full Sail University in 2010. She currently teaches Photography and Ceramics in Merced County. 

Laura enjoys creating art and giving students a feeling of accomplishment, especially when they truly “get it” and experience the “aha!” moment. She surrounds herself with fellow “Creatives” and loves making the world a better, more beautiful place.   Laura has twin daughters who have ignited her love of all types of art as they are constantly creating new exciting projects together!