Catalina Museum for Art & History has announced the upcoming exhibition, Catalina Clay: Unveiling the Island’s Artistic Heritage, a captivating showcase celebrating the artistry of the Catalina Clay Products Company. On view from March 1, 2025 through January 4, 2026, this exhibition highlights the ceramics that transformed Catalina Island’s cultural landscape during the 1920s through the 1940s, bringing vibrancy, craftsmanship and innovation to the art of decorative pottery.
“Catalina Clay showcases the artistry and craftsmanship that made Catalina pottery so extraordinary,” said Sheila Bergman, Executive Director of Catalina Museum for Art & History. “With its striking colors and innovative designs, these ceramics infused everyday objects with a sense of vibrancy and style that defined an era. This exhibition brings to life the creative spirit of the Catalina Clay Products Company, celebrating a legacy of design that remains as captivating today as it was nearly a century ago.”
Founded in the early 1920s by William Wrigley Jr. and David M. Renton, the Catalina Clay Products Company began as an effort to utilize local clay deposits for building materials. By the late 1920s, the company pivoted to ceramic production, creating innovative and highly sought-after pieces that combined traditional techniques with modern influences. After incorporating imported white clay to enhance durability, Catalina pottery achieved unparalleled artistry. Following its acquisition by Gladding, McBean & Company in 1937, Catalina ceramics continued to evolve, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic and architectural heritage of the island.
The exhibition places Catalina pottery within the broader context of California’s artistic renaissance during the Great Depression. At a time when bold, decorative pottery became a national trend, Catalina Clay Products Company stood out for its ability to blend locally sourced materials with innovative designs and vibrant glazes such as Catalina Blue, Toyon Red and Descanso Green. These ceramics brought beauty into everyday life, reflecting the glamour of California’s Spanish Revival architecture and Hollywood style.
Visitors can explore an extraordinary collection of vibrant tiles, elegant vases and novelty items that showcase the company’s artistic and functional contributions to the island. Iconic pieces include ceramics that adorned the Avalon Theatre and Catalina Casino, where decorative tiles added color and sophistication to architectural landmarks. For more information about Catalina Clay: Unveiling the Island’s Artistic Heritage, visit CatalinaMuseum.org.
