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.