Instructors

Travis 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

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

Mo Porcella

Mo has called Santa Cruz home for the past 10 years and has loved every second of it! She spends most of her free time making pottery, but when she’s not in the studio, you can usually find her outside soaking up the sun or jumping in the water. Mo first discovered pottery when she took a class with her sister in middle school. Ever since then, she’s wanted to find her way back to the craft. Now, she’s been throwing for 5 years and hopes to never stop! Her work is primarily wheel-thrown, and she loves adding carved details and small sculptural elements to make each piece a little more playful and unique.