The small seaport town of Avalon rises along the rocky coast of Catalina Island like colorful stairs climbing to the blue skies it floats under. Formerly known as Santa Catalina, it is one of California's Channel Islands, located just 29 miles southwest of Los Angeles.
Visitors and residents access Catalina Island via water in one of three ways. One, via cruise ship as a day port enroute to Mexico. Two, by daily Catalina Express shuttle boat service that departs up to 30 times a day from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Or three, by privately owned motor and sailboats that moor in the town's picturesque bay.
The latter is the mode of transport that I am fortunate enough to experience on Livin' Well, our 52’ motor yacht. Each time we cruise into the bay and secure our boat onto its mooring, I can't wait to dinghy ashore and experience something new on this delightful Island. Today, I am also on the search for unique and artful Things that are indigenous to the Island.
A Bit of Catalina Island History
Catalina Island has a fascinating history, thanks largely to William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum tycoon who bought the majority interest in the island in 1919. He invested millions of dollars in infrastructure development and attractions on the island in an effort to make it a unique tourist destination.
Wrigley’s projects included the construction of its famous Catalina Casino which opened in 1929. In addition, starting in 1921 the Chicago Cubs, also owned by Wrigley, used the island for the team's spring training location until 1951, which brought many celebrities and sports fans from Chicago to the sunny and idyllic destination.
Catalina Clay Products
William Wrigley Jr. also built a tile and brick pottery operation on a beach now known as Pebbly Beach near Avalon in 1927. The new pottery operation became known as Catalina Clay Products. This business venture served two purposes: one, to produce artistic clay building products and two, to provide the much-needed year-round employment for Island residents.
In 1930, Wrigley brought artisans to the Island to design decorative and functional pottery products including souvenirs, vases, bookends and figurines. Red clays found on the Island were used for pottery until 1931.
After this time, white clay from the U.S. mainland was combined with the red clay until finally only white clay was used, as a more economical alternative. Glazes were also made with local minerals mined on the Island. The company sold its ware as Catalina Pottery and Catalina Tile.
The pottery was sold in free-standing stores in Avalon, Hollywood, Los Angeles and at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, whose pool was also adorned with the colorful tile. In addition, dinnerware and art ware were sold through luxury department and jewelry stores.
The pottery's tile was used for the interiors and exteriors of buildings on the island and can still be seen around Avalon today. However, in 1937, Catalina Clay Products, including all equipment, stock, molds and trademarks were sold and the pottery operation on the Island was closed. As such, the pottery and tiles have become highly collectible.
Although the original Catalina Tile ceased production in 1937, local artists have continued the tradition, crafting beautiful tile as an homage to this historic art form.
Today, visitors to Avalon have the rare opportunity to view and purchase a piece of this legendary pottery at the Catalina Pottery and Tile Company which showcases a curated collection of authentic Catalina Pottery crafted on the Island between 1927 and 1931. In addition to these original pieces, which are kept on display behind an old bank vault, the store features Catalina tile-inspired home décor, handmade tile jewelry and clay tiles handcrafted by local artisans on the Island.
“As a third generation islander, I have always admired the beauty of the island’s historic pottery,” says Steven Hoefs, Owner, Catalina Pottery & Tile Company. “I enjoy the thrill of finding these treasures at antique shops and estate sales. All of the pottery in the vault at the shop are original pieces many from my personal collection.”
Beautiful jewelry items made with tumbled pieces of original Catalina Pottery from the 20's and 30's are available in the store, designed and crafted by artist Sophia Palmer. Each pottery piece is hand selected and inlaid in sterling silver. Another artist, Kristy Throndson, hand-makes Catalina tile-inspired jewelry for the store as well. Small colorful tile designs are inlaid in burnished metal, giving each piece an antique feel and finish. These colorful, contemporary one-of-a-kind treasures hold a piece of Catalina history forever.
Silver Canyon Pottery
One of the most renowned tile artists in Avalon is local resident Robin Cassidy, who I had the pleasure of meeting while visiting the Island. Owner of Silver Canyon Pottery, Robin has been handcrafting tile creations in her studio since 1988.
As time passed, and the town recognized that many of the original downtown tiles were deteriorating, Robin stepped up to craft and donate reproduction tiles that matched the design and ambiance of original Catalina Tiles. “It is an honor to be able to contribute to the authenticity of Catalina Island by preserving its unique tile heritage,” says Robin.
The tile installations of Avalon now feature about 40% reproduction tiles made by Robin's company, in addition to her many new installations and countless private commissions.
Robin's passion for the traditional tile beauty throughout Avalon, and her desire to share this knowledge with visitors from around the world, led her to create handcrafted tile workshops. The workshops take place in her studio, a shipping container transformed into a funky artist's retreat.
Robin begins by sharing her knowledge of Native American lore, the Island's geography and archaeology, and her insight into Catalina Island's colorful history. Next, it's "hands on" as students select two tile mold designs, each with a distinctive meaning, and receive slabs of red clay. Robin demonstrates how to work the clay to smooth any imperfections before carefully placing it in the mold.
Next, students gently, but firmly, pack the clay within the mold. Then they take a flat edge to clean the excess clay off the edges and tap the mold ever so slightly so the tile slides from the mold to the workbench.
Since the clay needs to be cured before painting, Robin has students select their color palette for each tile, which she then hand paints and ships to their homes.
I have visited Catalina Island and its towns of Avalon and Two Harbors many times. Yet this new discovery of the Island's tile-making history, and local artisans who are keeping the art form alive, was truly memorable!