Clay Creations by Jenise in New Orleans, LA

Our Story – Clay Creations Studio

Handmade Ceramic Sculptures of New Orleans & the Gulf Coast

Founded in 1980 by artist Jenise McCardell, Clay Creations Studio is a beloved, family-run ceramic art studio based in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. With an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design and a BFA in Ceramics from the University of Florida, Jenise began her artistic journey in the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans, selling her original clay sculptures from craft carts at the iconic Jax Brewery and Riverwalk.

In 1993, she relocated the studio to a charming historic shotgun house in Bay St. Louis, where the business continues to thrive today.

Clay Creations are handmade ceramic sculptures of New Orleans homes, Gulf Coast businesses, historic churches, and local schools. Each piece is individually sculpted from white clay, hand-painted with intricate detail, and kiln-fired twice to ensure durability and vibrancy. Over the decades, the studio has produced more than 1,000 original designs, each capturing a sense of place and personal history.

Jenise is joined by her husband, Mark Currier, a skilled potter and mold maker, helping to expand the studio’s creative possibilities. The couple shares their space in a restored Art Deco building with Gallery 220, a cooperative featuring over 25 local and regional artists in Old Town Bay St. Louis.

Clay Creations has earned a loyal following of collectors who cherish these miniature architectural memories. Jenise's favorite commissions are custom ceramic pieces made from customer-submitted photos—transforming homes, businesses, and beloved landmarks into timeless clay keepsakes.