Ceramic artist Kassandra Grays and illustrator Cait Renk created Frog Chain with the purpose of linking their individual styles, which often display themes of nature, softness, and play. Frog Chain hints at these concepts of evolution and connection.
Kassandra Grays is the artist and creative voice behind Tender Tulip Ceramics, based out of Indianapolis, IN. Outside of creating, Kassandra is a public high school ceramics teacher and an instructor for workshops and multi-week classes at Alley Cat Ceramics.
Tender Tulip Ceramics creates handmade ceramics that exist at the intersection of function and form. Rooted in traditional utility but driven by a playful and expressive approach, the work explores how everyday objects can also act as small-scale works of art.
Through bold surface treatments, organic shapes, and a hands-on making process, each piece highlights the materiality of clay and the individuality of the maker. Alongside functional wares, the practice continues to expand into more sculptural forms, pushing the boundaries between object and artwork.
Tender Tulip Ceramics embraces imperfection, texture, and personality, creating pieces that feel both lived-in and distinctly unique.
Cait’s personal work is a way of processing through thoughts and feelings. Whether it’s an encouraging sentiment, something vulnerable and delicate, or a passive aggressive phrase she should probably keep to herself — Cait hopes others can find her pieces relatable and maybe even charming.
Indy born and raised, with a B.A. in Art Education from IU Herron School of Art and an M.A. in Art Therapy. Cait works full time as an Art Therapist and enjoys writing and playing music.
This plate was made as one of the 18 table settings in the Indy Makers Dinner Series, By The Hand. By The Hand combines art, cuisine, and community for a unique dining experience. Alexa Adamson of Patina Gallery and Chef Andy Tipton have teamed up to create a multi-course menu inspired by in season produce, utilizing local farms and small businesses when available. Purchasing this plate includes one ticket for the dinner, a private event, which is held on November 19th at 7pm. Please note- all sales are final. If you are no longer able to attend the dinner, you may gift your seat. Please notify us of any changes no later than November 11th.
A pomegranate ginger spritz and a seasonal prelude will be served-
an assortment of chef-curated seasonal bites, celebrating the flavors of the harvest
To start:
Lacinato kale salad
with honey pickled apple, maple-mustard vinaigrette & fennel crisp
Main:
Roasted honeynut squash
with porcini risotto and hazelnut sage gremolata
warm ginger and turmeric cider tonic
To finish:
Sweet potato crémeux
with beetroot-citrus gelée, toasted pecan streusel
1 handmade plate (pictured above)
1 ticket to the private dinner on November 19th at 7pm with a 3 course meal and complimentary beverages
A handmade name tag by artist Lily Groot
A handmade menu by artist Bryn Foreman
Ceramic artist Kassandra Grays and illustrator Cait Renk created Frog Chain with the purpose of linking their individual styles, which often display themes of nature, softness, and play. Frog Chain hints at these concepts of evolution and connection.
Kassandra Grays is the artist and creative voice behind Tender Tulip Ceramics, based out of Indianapolis, IN. Outside of creating, Kassandra is a public high school ceramics teacher and an instructor for workshops and multi-week classes at Alley Cat Ceramics.
Tender Tulip Ceramics creates handmade ceramics that exist at the intersection of function and form. Rooted in traditional utility but driven by a playful and expressive approach, the work explores how everyday objects can also act as small-scale works of art.
Through bold surface treatments, organic shapes, and a hands-on making process, each piece highlights the materiality of clay and the individuality of the maker. Alongside functional wares, the practice continues to expand into more sculptural forms, pushing the boundaries between object and artwork.
Tender Tulip Ceramics embraces imperfection, texture, and personality, creating pieces that feel both lived-in and distinctly unique.
Cait’s personal work is a way of processing through thoughts and feelings. Whether it’s an encouraging sentiment, something vulnerable and delicate, or a passive aggressive phrase she should probably keep to herself — Cait hopes others can find her pieces relatable and maybe even charming.
Indy born and raised, with a B.A. in Art Education from IU Herron School of Art and an M.A. in Art Therapy. Cait works full time as an Art Therapist and enjoys writing and playing music.
This plate was made as one of the 18 table settings in the Indy Makers Dinner Series, By The Hand. By The Hand combines art, cuisine, and community for a unique dining experience. Alexa Adamson of Patina Gallery and Chef Andy Tipton have teamed up to create a multi-course menu inspired by in season produce, utilizing local farms and small businesses when available. Purchasing this plate includes one ticket for the dinner, a private event, which is held on November 19th at 7pm. Please note- all sales are final. If you are no longer able to attend the dinner, you may gift your seat. Please notify us of any changes no later than November 11th.
A pomegranate ginger spritz and a seasonal prelude will be served-
an assortment of chef-curated seasonal bites, celebrating the flavors of the harvest
To start:
Lacinato kale salad
with honey pickled apple, maple-mustard vinaigrette & fennel crisp
Main:
Roasted honeynut squash
with porcini risotto and hazelnut sage gremolata
warm ginger and turmeric cider tonic
To finish:
Sweet potato crémeux
with beetroot-citrus gelée, toasted pecan streusel
1 handmade plate (pictured above)
1 ticket to the private dinner on November 19th at 7pm with a 3 course meal and complimentary beverages
A handmade name tag by artist Lily Groot
A handmade menu by artist Bryn Foreman
