About the Artist

Hi! My name is Alyssa Noonen. My life, much like my pottery, is split into two lifetimes-Before the Fire and After the Fire.

I graduated from Northern Illinois University in December 2020 with a focus in ceramic arts. In February 2021, I survived an apartment fire leaving me 80% scarred from third degree burns and donor scars. It took 2 weeks in a coma, 6 weeks total in the burn unit at OSF St. Anthony Hospital where I learned strength and resilience, 6 weeks at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab for rehab where I learned how to talk and walk and use my hands again, and 2 years on disability for me to make a full recovery. But I did not lose my craft or love of pottery and ceramics. Thus, iinnfferno was born.

I opened up Inferno Clay Studio NFP in January of 2025 in Rockford, Il so other ceramic artists could have the opportunity to work independently here.