Instructors
Tavis Adams
Travis has been immersed in the ever-enchanting clay realm since 2002 where his muddy seed sprouted at Soquel High. He continued forth his infatuation at SFSU earning a BFA focused on ceramics. Returning to his home of Santa Cruz, he has discovered the joy of teaching, joining in and perpetuating the ancient legacy of working with clay. In 2016 he opened his first renegade grassroots clay studio: Floasis. As his business acumen matured and the community expanded, Floasis was dissolved in 2023 and from its ashes was birthed Santa Cruz Clay. His story continues with an ever evolving expressive style while tilling the soil for others to plant their own seeds.
Classes: Advanced Themes, 4/20 Pipes, Bubblers, and Bongs, Seize the Clay, & Wabi Sabi & Sipping Sake
Instagram: @clayingmantis
Venmo: @Travis-Adams-8
Brennan Lynch
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, he is currently pursuing his MFA at San Francisco State University with the goal of teaching ceramics at the college level. His ceramic work combines whimsy and functionality, creating pieces that aim to surprise viewers and subtly shift their perspectives. Brennan’s approach prioritizes the interaction between the viewer and the object, rather than focusing on himself as the artist. His work is influenced by urban environments, cartooning, optical art, and skateboard culture – elements that have shaped his perspective. Outside the studio, Brennan enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and staying active.
Classes: Beginners & Beyond
Instagram: @brennan.lynch
Venmo: @Brennanlynch
Jasper Marino
Jasper Marino was born and raised in Santa Cruz by the renowned visual artist Will Marino and organic farmer Mary Odegaard. His work has been influenced by countless members of the Santa Cruz ceramics community. Shout out to Joel Megan for a rigorous apprenticeship, Mark Levy, Sam Clarkson, Cathrine McBride, and Sylvia Rios, for encouragement and instruction, and to the Hennigs, Mattie Leads, Kevin and Nina Wall, Carlos Die, Liz Crane, and the rest of the local legends for inspiration and support!
Classes: Wheel Throwing for All
Lauren McCarthy
Finding magic in the mundane and bringing whimsy to life, Lauren specializes in hand thrown ceramics with playful sculpted elements. Her work brings together the worlds of fine and folk art. Her pieces embody how she moves through the world - in no small way, her emotions can be felt through her work. When not knee deep in mud, Lauren can be found making every around her cry tears of laughter or fawning over the biblical beauty of her cat, Manda.
Classes: Learn to Throw
Instagram: @lornforlorn
Venmo: @LaurenMCC99
Jeffrey Rossini
Jeff is a chemist by education, engineer by training, and child at heart who loves nothing more than to share his interests with others. Most often that is through teaching pottery or pointing a telescope at the sky and urging anyone near to look through. Why sculpt dragons you might ask? Hometown is a ubiquitous fantasy that all of humanity seems to share and there is something to marvel, dwell on, and learn from the things we all dream of. He has settled deep into his hometown of Santa Cruz’s rich pottery community and could be more grateful.
Classes: Advanced Themes, & Intro to Wheel Throwing
Instagram: @rossinijeff
Venmo: @Jeffrey-Rossini
Tom Watson
Tom Watson was born and raised in Soquel and started his ceramic journey just down the road at Cabrillo College in 2008 under the tutelage of Kathryn McBride, Sam Clarkson and Silvia Rios, but his passion for craftsmanship began much earlier in life building skate ramps, treehouses, and taking as many shop and art classes as possible through grade school. Fast forward to the present, he has been creating functional pottery for the people of Santa Cruz and beyond for over 15 years, selling primarily at farmers markets around town. The work is versatile, functional, and decorative, inspired the many peers close to him as well as tea practice and old folk pottery of Korea and Japan.
“To me, pottery is a practice of mindfulness, slowing down in life and feeling, and my wish is that the work might inspire that in you through its function and everyday use.” Big love! -bala
Classes: Throwing Pots
Instagram: @Tombhala
Venmo: @Tombhala