Nancy Clarke grew up in southern and northern Ontario. After obtaining her Diploma in Fine Arts from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, she ventured to the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. She earned her BFA with a Major in Ceramics, then moved back to Ontario to settle in Toronto. She made a living by selling ceramics, teaching classes, working in a fine craft gallery and as an art administrator's assistant - all while doing a residency at the Harbourfront Centre in their Ceramics Studio.

 

Then she met Sue and Don. Acme Animal changed everything.

​

Nancy became part of the Acme team in 1997 and never looked back. Her creative experiences stood her in good stead when it came to the design, painting, and detailing, but she was equally capable when it came to assembly, packing and shipping. When Sue and Don decided to retire, Nancy thought long and hard about what that meant for her. Ultimately, she couldn't let it go, so grabbed hold of the main Acme pot paint and lead the business into its next phase.

​

While the studio is a little quieter now, it still buzzes with studio pets, part-time helpers, and the occasional visitor. There are a few less designs in the Acme portfolio, but everyone's favourites can still be found in the current catalogue. Behind the scenes, Nancy’s husband David helps with some business management and Katherine still finagles words when Nancy needs them.

 

Running the show solo suits Nancy to a tee though. Just how she likes it.