Grand Ledge - Retired math Professor John Masterson discovered pottery as an outlet for coping with the loss of a loved one 16 years ago.

"I needed something else to occupy my mind when my daughter died in a car accident," he said. "I needed something other than math."

Now, along with 31 other members of Clayworks, a nonprofit pottery co-operative that teaches classes and sells pottery, Masterson is helping others discover the benefits of pottery by working on the group's grand opening.

After tearing down walls, installing wheelchair access ramps and moving in large electric kilns, Clayworks, which relocated from Lansing, is opening its newer doors to the public at 13121 Wacousta Road in Grand Ledge.

With a pottery sale that began Nov. 23, the group wants the surrounding community to know that creating pottery is a one-of-a-kind experience.

"It's a wonderful release into something that's very physical and that's very sloppy," he said.

Ali Felix, a 1998 alumna, discovered the art of creating pottery two years ago at Clayworks.

"I've really become addicted to it," she said. "I have 14 pieces on sale for the grand opening."

The sale of the pottery directly funds supplies for classes and helps maintain the operation of the studio. The funds also allow the co-op to give back to the community.

"We've really tried to stay active in the community," Masterson said. "With the move, we are really looking forward to getting connected with this community."

In Lansing, the group participated in the American Red Cross's Empty Bowls program and the Gier Community Center's child development program.

"We just do this because we love pots," he said. "We're crazy about them."