"This kiln doesn’t represent 'just' a piece of equipment, in the same way that ceramics isn’t 'just' a class - it's a community. You come and make art with others," said Manhattan Beach Mayor Amy Howorth after the unveiling. "It's really important that we celebrate that."

Ceramics Studio Is A Draw for Community Members

Manhattan Beach's ceramics studio is located at Live Oak Park. First opened in 1979, it currently serves approximately 200 active students and is open seven days a week.

Ceramics classes fill up quickly. A three-hour beginner's ceramics class starts at $120 for residents. A ten-week all-levels ceramics class costs $329 for residents.

Manhattan Beach is the only city in the South Bay offering community access to such state-of-the-art ceramics equipment. The closest comparable studio is in the City of Torrance.

(Mayor Amy Howorth speaks at the unveiling. Photo credit: Joe Franklin.)

Howorth noted that the ceramics studio reflects the important role that pottery plays in Manhattan Beach history. The famed Metlox Pottery company was the very first industry in Manhattan Beach when it opened nearly 100 years ago, in 1927.