Alan and Brenda Newman have been full time studio potters since 1978. Alan began working in clay in 1968. He studied with Carl Paak & William Daley at the University of New Mexico, receiving his MA in 1973. Brenda also graduated from UNM. She is self-taught in clay. In 1984 they relocated from New Mexico to Salem, Oregon.

They are known for their functional porcelain, which combines botanic elements with sculptural forms. Over the years they have developed flowing matte microcrystalline glazes, which make each piece beautifully unique.