Imagine, if you will, a space where clay takes flight. This is Potter’s Ensemble. It is a studio and gallery in Hermosa Beach. Potter’s Ensemble is a testament to artistic exploration. It is a collaborative haven for Southern California artists.
Charles Howell, a ceramist, started Potter’s Ensemble in 1983. For over 30 years it has been a place for local artists. Howell dedicated himself full-time to the studio after retiring from teaching in the Los Angeles public school system in 2011. He taught art for over 30 years.
Potter’s Ensemble is more than just a gallery. It’s a working studio. Potters throw clay here. They also fire their creations in two huge kilns. This is where art comes to life.
The art at Potter’s Ensemble ranges widely. You will see assemblage and urban landscape paintings. Stoneware and delicate watercolors are displayed. The gallery truly offers something for everyone.
Most of the ceramic artwork at Potter’s Ensemble is “High-Fire.” This process makes the art more stable and durable. Stoneware is fired at 2350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is cone 10 for ceramic enthusiasts.
Potter’s Ensemble also showcases Raku firing. Ceramic artwork is fired from 1800 to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit in this process. Then artists take the art out of the kiln. The artwork is exposed to the atmosphere. It is placed in a container of combustible materials. This reduces the heat. Any unglazed surface is blackened by carbon.
Sagger firing is another technique used. It is similar to Raku. Sagger-fired clay uses combustible material. This creates carbon imprints on the ceramic work’s surface. Each piece is wrapped with dried seaweed, rope, or copper wire. It is fired at a low temperature of 1200 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Then it remains in the sagger inside the kiln until it cools.
Located on Aviation Boulevard, Potter’s Ensemble has a modest storefront. It survives through the inventive ideas of its owner. Howell also rents space to other artists.
Howell once faced tough times. He almost ended the business when his second wife died. Valerie MacMillan was a fellow potter. She passed away from ovarian cancer in 2000. Howell persevered. Now he’s not only an artist but also a landlord.
To make ends meet, Howell rents to other artists. Some need a studio for a month or two. Others lease the studio, kilns, and all the equipment. It’s a barter system that works for him.
Howell doesn’t overcharge artists. Most galleries charge up to 60 percent of the artist’s sale price. Howell only charges 25 percent.
Charles Howell is a Renaissance man. He holds two master’s degrees. One is in art. The other is in education administration. Besides art, he has taught music. He has also worked in the theater.
So, step inside Potter’s Ensemble. See the art. Feel the passion. Support local artists. Experience the magic of clay. Potter’s Ensemble is open Tuesday from 11am to 2pm, Wednesday through Friday from 11am to 4pm and Saturday from 11am to 2pm. It is closed Mondays and Sundays. Call to make an appointment to view the gallery. The number is 1-310-386-0795.