MERCER CERAMICS is the ceramic works and art exploration of artist, Caroline Mercer, BAEd (Hons) SWAc. She is originally from West Sussex.

Fascinated by art making, art education and the power of art in formal and individual learning. She received her degree in Art and Education from Exeter University in 1996, which led her to Salcombe, as a student teacher. Here she stayed.

Her 30 year career in education includes varied and rewarding roles as; a classroom practitioner, advisor in art education across Devon County, leadership in two new Plymouth schools and, most recently, Lecturer of Art and Education at The University of Plymouth, on the BEd and PGCE programmes

Throughout her career, she has consistently experienced the power of creativity and the visual arts as both curriculum subjects and also how they can underpin children's cognitive and emotional growth and development. One of her mottos is 'Art is GOOD for you'. She founded 'Outside The Box' in 2017, working within a variety of community groups to bring high quality art making opportunities to teachers, young people and their families, who may not easily access such experiences.

Witnessing the impact of this work (and Covd19) led her to study 'mindfulness' as a practice; exploring how it can align with the practice of making art and creativity.  She is now an accredited teacher of 'Mindfulness' as well as a qualified L2 'skilled helper' (BCAP) and a Mental Health First Aider. Here was born 'Outside The Box Learning CIC' and by weaving these threads together, Caroline designed and created a bespoke programme known as 'Mindful Makers' which, last year, was launched in schools and within the local community with a £10,000 award from National Lottery Funding.

All the time, she continues her own exploration of clay and hand building, which feeds into her teaching . She is presently a member of ‘West Country Potters Association’ and an Academician with South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts, SWAc.