Meet the Teacher: Arika Lau

Beginner Pottery Camp | Intermediate to Advanced Pottery

At The HeART Collective, our teachers aren’t just instructors — they’re members of this community who show up every week to share something they love. Today we’d like you to meet Arika Lau, who teaches ceramics here at The HeART Collective in Payson, UT. With ten years of teaching experience and a deep love for the way clay tells the story of its maker, Arika brings both skill and heart to every class. We interviewed her and this is what she shared.

Clay Has Always Been My Medium

I teach ceramics, and I have been teaching on and off in various capacities for ten years. I got started at BYU studying art education before I transferred to UVU for a deeper dive into ceramics.

What I love most about teaching this subject is that once basic skills are understood, a whole world of possibilities opens up. Clay is so expressive and always tells a story about the maker. That’s what keeps me coming back — every piece is personal, every student leaves a fingerprint.

Slowing Down Is the Recipe for Success

My teaching style is guiding, individualized, and focused on developing mastery. I meet every student where they are and help them grow from there.

One moment that has stayed with me: a student was struggling to convey her idea with a new medium and getting frustrated. After stepping away, we came back and approached it differently. We broke down the steps and took it one at a time. The end result was a smiling student and teacher! Slowing down and trying again was the recipe for success.

That experience reminds me why I teach the way I do. Art is all about problem solving and overcoming obstacles. When a student hits a wall, we don’t give up — we step back, break it down, and find another way in.

Know Before You Come In

The most important things you can bring to my class are an attitude of curiosity and a willingness to experiment. That’s it. No prior experience required.

If you’re nervous or on the fence, I would love to hear about your concerns and work together for a solution. Art class is a great opportunity to push back against fears and prove yourself. Whatever is holding you back, we can figure it out together.

Outside of teaching, I love to make artwork and figure skate. And I’ll leave you with my favorite reminder — the one I come back to when I need to loosen up and get curious: “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.” — Ms. Frizzle

Join my class! I’d be really grateful for the opportunity to create with you.

Check out classes offered by Arika Lau at The HeART Collective and give your child the chance to get messy, build confidence, think creatively, and bring their ideas to life.