Paul Menchhofer was born in Oak Ridge TN in 1957. His interest in ceramics began as a child and by age fifteen his work was selling through local galleries. At 18 he became a member of three juried professional craft organizations including the Southern Highlands Guild, and became affiliated with numerous galleries around the southeast including the High Museum in Atlanta. He continued to expand his pursuits in clay while making his living as a professional potter and fulfilling his goals to explore clay as a medium for personal expression.

Menchhofer’s work has been exhibited widely and is in many private collections. He holds an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree in Ceramics. In addition to formal academic training, Menchhofer apprenticed under American potter Charles Counts and later spent time in England with master potter Michael Cardew. His work has been featured in several publications including The Studio Potter Magazine, The Best of Pottery books, and most recently Davis Publishing company’s new studio textbook Experience Clay by Maureen Mackey. Paul works in his studio in East TN where he concentrates on his large Raku-fired vessels.