The Clay Station Story
The Clay Station founder, Rachel Rosa's story starts in the cobblestone streets of 1970's Nottingham, England. A young preschool age Rachel found herself captivated by the enchanting world of clay. Her neighbour, a Ukrainian ceramic artist called Luda, ignited a passion within Rachel, setting the stage for a life-long artistic journey.
As a child, Rachel was mesmerised by the transformative power of clay. It was in this creative sanctuary that Rachel's artistic spirit took flight, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
Driven by this desire, and the fascination with her then-young nieces, Milly and Maisy's development, Rachel pursued a degree in education, specialising in Early Childhood Development and Art at Goldsmiths, University London, graduating with first-class honors.
Next, her plan was to study a Master's degree in art therapy. However, her dream was momentarily deferred in 2008, when Rachel moved to Spain. In Malaga, Rachel found herself immersed in the world of international education. Over two decades, she honed her skills as an educator, and became the head of the Preschool department in an international school. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive nurturing learning environment led her to also become a NABSS lead inspector for international schools in Spain.
Rachel's artistic journey took her to Marbella, where she exhibited her works. But her passion for art wasn't confined to the canvas; Rachel had always yearned to share the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression with others. Post-COVID, Rachel's dream of returning to Goldsmiths to study art therapy resurfaced. In 2021, she enrolled in a Master's in Psychology program with Brunel University London, determined to deepen her understanding of the psychological aspects of artistic expression.
Meanwhile, Rachel's unwavering commitment to inclusive education took center stage when a dispute arose regarding neurodiverse children's access to quality education. It was a pivotal moment that prompted Rachel to take action. Fuelled by her belief in the transformative power of art and education, she decided to embark on a new journey—the founding of The Clay Station.
The Clay Station, Rachel's brainchild, is a haven for creativity and inclusivity. It is not merely an art studio; it is a sanctuary where all children can unleash their creativity, express themselves, and find solace in the therapeutic embrace of art. The studio welcomes children from all walks of life, fostering an environment where differences are celebrated, not marginalised.
The Clay Station evolved as a symbol of resilience, and empowerment. Rachel Rosa, an artist and educator, has come full circle, combining her passion for art, education, and psychology to create a space where every child can find their voice and experience the healing power of creativity. The Clay Station stands as a testament to Rachel's unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, one masterpiece at a time.
Graduate Member: 682277
The Clay Station founder
Rachel Rosa
BA Ed (Hons), MSc, GMBPsS
DFES Qualified Teacher Status
Teacher Reference No. 0651024