Fiona Zahnke began her life in clay in the early 1970s when she studied ceramics at Michigan State University’s Pewabic Pottery, where she became particularly interested in raku firing and salt-fired ware. After a stint teaching ceramics at Iowa’s McNaider Museum, she moved with her family to Big Stone Gap, Va. Fiona has taught courses in hand building and wheel throwing at Mountain Empire Community College and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. She was also an artist-in-residence at Powell Valley High School and ran her own studio, Powell River Pottery. In 2000, she was selected as a finalist for the Governor’s Award for the Arts. In addition to her work in ceramics, Fiona also enjoys fiber work including weaving, knitting, and felting.