Josie Jurczenia graduated from CCAC (now CCA) in 1972 with a degree in textiles. In 1978, she started Sweet Potatoes, INC, a Berkeley-based children’s clothing manufacturing company. With the help of two business partners, the company supplied innovative, whimsical kids’ clothes to over 3,000 retail accounts across the country. She and the company were honored with numerous industry awards for design.

Josie retired in 2004 and began making pots. In 2007, she founded Fourth & Clay Studio/Gallery (2370 4th St, Berkeley) in what was formerly the sewing room of Sweet Potatoes. Her functional pots reflect her textile background. They are hand-built using roofing paper patterns, darted, stitched, and scratched with fabric patterns. Each piece is designed to feel great in your hand as well as look beautiful in your home.

Josie is an exhibiting member of the Association of Clay and Glass Artists and has served on the Board of Directors for the Richmond Art Center, the ACCI Gallery, and The ACGA. Her pieces have been included in shows at Gumps, Trax Gallery, Palo Alto Art Center, Claytimes Gallery, The John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Strictly Functional National, and The Cooley Gallery, among others. Her work was included in 500 Vases and the new 500 Teapots by Lark Publications. She has pieces in private collections across the country.