Elizabeth DeLyria always intended to be an artist. She started as a painter with a B.A. in Painting from the University of New Orleans; but when she went to the University of Houston to get her Masters in Art Education, she discovered clay. “I love the concept of functional art. A beautifully made mug that you hold as you drink can bring so much quiet pleasure to a daily ritual.” In 2006, the award-winning artist and teacher was invited to become a Cultural Envoy to Russia where she helped create a dialogue with Russian teachers about student-centered and interdisciplinary education.