The Manhattan Beach Art Center (MBAC) is proud to present Out of the Mold, a pottery focused exhibition celebrating the artistry of London James, Sutherlin Santo, Curt Hammerly, Johnathan Hopp, Mitchel Plain, and Joe Page. This exhibition explores the use of molds and mass production techniques in ceramics, also featuring pieces from the City’s permanent collection of Metlox Pottery.

Pottery is one of the oldest art forms, dating back before the Neolithic period. While ceramics started out as primarily a functional material for watertight utilitarian objects such as food vessel, it quickly became known as a decorative art form as well. As time and technology advanced, so did the manufacturing of this art allowing for the commercial production of pottery by utilizing molds. The use of molds enabled quick and efficient production of identical items, allowing even the less affluent families to obtain beautiful yet durable sets of china for everyday use, such as the Poppy Trail line of pottery from Metlox.

However, over the past few decades, contemporary ceramic artists have realized the potential of utilizing molds within the realm of fine art ceramics. They have liberated the association of mold making with commercial pottery and explored bringing life and beauty to a perfunctory ideology.

Out of the Mold exhibits the work of these extraordinary artists, taking visitors on a journey of the history of the art form showcasing their work, antique items from the city’s permanent Metlox collection, and infographics on the mold making processes, which gives a glimpse into the emerging culture of rapid, digital prototyping.

The exhibition concludes in MBAC’s educational space where visitors will have the opportunity to glaze their own piece of mold made pottery as part of the new program Glaze Lab. Glaze Lab is inspired by the clean, modern aesthetic of Metlox Pottery and provides visitors a chance to participate in the art form.

Out of the Mold is on view at the Manhattan Beach Art Center May 13 through July 3, 2022. Opening reception Friday, May 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM.