Sweet Treat Ceramics - About the Artist

Anja Wray, founder of Sweet Treat Ceramics, discovered her love for art at an early age. With the support of her mother, she pursued sewing, drawing and painting. She developed a knack for learning new crafts and a flair for design. Later, her interest turned to fashion design.

Anja received her degree in Clothing and Textiles from Appalachian State University, where she studied art, clothing design and interior design. During college, she spent a summer in Italy hand painting fabric designs. After graduation, she worked in the North Carolina apparel industry for three years. Anja pursued a maste's degree in Textile Marketing and began teaching Interior Design, Clothing Design, Fashion Merchandising and Parenting in public high school.

Anja Wray, Artist

Laney Lou (left), Camden (center), Sydney Rose (right)

Anja with Sydney Rose, Camden & Laney Lou

Anja with Laney Lou (left) and Sydney Rose (right)

In 2002, Anja found a new love: clay. She began working with clay by creating and painting uniquely hand-built pieces and bisque pieces. As her work was discovered, the demand grew for Anja’s art. Her passion for pottery led to the founding of Kilnary Art and in 2003, Kilnary Art opened its online store.

Anja retired from teaching in October 2003 when her daughter, Sydney Rose, was born. Between 2003 and 2004, Anja's husband, Bert, was deployed to Iraq. During that time, Anja's role as full-time mom took center stage, but she continued to work part-time in her home studio. When Bert returned home, Anja was filled with renewed spirit and energy and Kilnary Art grew again.

In 2005, Kilnary Art became Sweet Treat Ceramics. The new name was followed by the launch of a new website, updated to reflect the cheerful designs of Anja's pottery. Anja creates all of her pottery and hand paints each piece, adding her own touch of whimsy and fun.

When Anja is not busy with Sydney, now age 6, Camden, age 3, and new baby Laney Lou, 15 months, she can be found working in her home studio, brushing their pony Zeus or spending time with Bert and her beloved dogs Callie, Bailey and Brutus.