Ryan Catalano is a potter from Mebane, North Carolina, specializing in utilitarian ceramics. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and a minor in communication. Ryan focuses on creating functional pottery that is both beautiful and practical. He draws significant inspiration from the landscapes and animals around him, as well as from vintage Pyrex and CorningWare. One of his current influences is folk art, which informs his approach to design and form.

His love for utilitarian objects began with his grandmother's cherished Pyrex and CorningWare, which evoke feelings of joy, community, and togetherness. This motivation drives him to infuse his pottery with that same spirit. Ryan was a long-term resident at the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft from 2025 to 2026, and he will complete another residency at the Sawtooth School of Visual Arts from 2026 to 2027. He has exhibited his work across the country and remains passionate about his craft.