This is my second time taking this class. I really enjoy learning the history of Catalina Island and Catalina Tile. Loved it so much the first time that I had to come back and bring my husband (huge history buff). Robin is a great host and full of information. Excited to receive our finished tiles in a couple weeks. read more

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This was a fun, creative experience to do with our teenage daughters! Robin was very friendly & knowledgeable about Catalina's history. We all really enjoyed making our own souvenirs! I highly recommend it! read more

We have been visiting Catalina annually for 25yrs. This was our first time going to Silver Canyon Pottery to make tiles, and we wish we went a long time ago! Robin was great at providing us with a quick history lesson and she was awesome at teaching us how to make the tiles. We can't wait to see the finished tiles. Definitely do this on your first visit to the island! read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

What a fun experience! We got to make as many tiles as we wanted for a small additional charge. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun time on Catalina. The tiles arrived a few weeks after our session and they were just lovely. Very pleased with them. read more

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My wife and I had a wonderful time this weekend making tiles with Robin and Siver Canyon Pottery. We are long time visitors to Catalina Island and loved to hear the history and insights from Robin and seeing all the treasures she has in her workshop. Looking forward to getting our handmade tiles in the mail. read more

Robin was such a joy. Had a blast making tiles on a day trip! She communicated with us very efficiently and we had no problem taking the 9:50am ferry walking and finding her studio by 1pm. read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - These are a few of the templates and one custom tile Robin allowed me to make! - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

I am a many generation family member of the island. Took a pottery class back in '72 at El Encanto and still have those pieces. Robin has amazing knowledge of the Geology of the island as well as the pottery. I really enjoyed her teaching and guidance and now plan to take the class on each visit to the Island. Great experience! Thanks Robin! read more

1,000% recommended This was one of the most memorable experiences of our life. It was a part of a day-action for me and my two teens... read more

This was my favorite experience I had on Catalina. Robin was wonderful, even picking me up and dropping me off downtown before and after the class. She has such deep knowledge of the island history and was a wonderful teacher for tile making. It was so relaxing and I would highly recommend. Can't wait for my tiles to arrive in a few weeks! read more

Robin is amazing! I have done just about every tourist thing on this island and more. This was the most and best history lesson of the island, it was fun and we got to make some awesome memories to bring home. Totally worth it to see a small part of the island history. 10/10 recommend this if you are visiting the island and want to experience something that most won't. A small personal and awesome experience. read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Studio - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

LOVE This was a super-great and fun experience. I adored making my own tiles and learning about the history of Catalina and its pottery. The owner is warm, authentic, and knowledgeable. I picked my own glaze colors and she mailed the tiles after they were glazed and fired. I also bought some tiles right out of the kiln. LIKE The quirky decor was really fun to browse. It's a nice walk from downtown Avalon. MEH It was a little hard to find. There's no sign at the entrance, and I missed it at first. ICK N/A read more

A highlight of our recent visit to Catalina was the fun time we had at Silver Canyon Pottery. Robin shared not only her skills as a potter, but provided deep insight into the history of the island, the geology of the state, and why the pottery business started on Catalina. Robin knows her stuff and was able to guide us through the process of creating our own tiles to be proudly displayed at home. Robin offers some of her own work in the shop. Her creations are also available at The Steamer Trunk shop in Avalon. This experience is highly recommended for any visitor to the island. Thank you, Robin. We can't wait to return to make more tiles! read more

By far the best thing we did in Catalina! My husband & ended up having a session with Robin by ourselves. She insisted on picking us up downtown so we didn't have to get a ride to her place. At the studio, she gave us a thorough and fascinating abbreviated history of the island, its geology, and the history of tile artwork on Catalina. The tile-making was so fun. Robin did a great job of explaining all the steps to us, monitoring to make sure we did it right, then let us do our second tiles by ourselves. (Love that we each got two tiles instead of just one.) She even had us put holes in the back so they can be hung on the wall. She glazed the tiles for us and they arrived in the mail less than 2 months later. We're very grateful to Robin for the unique experience and souvenirs--truly a one-of-a-kind experience! If you are thinking about trying it, do it! read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

What a great time we had with Robin. We found the history and stories she shared very interesting, and we loved making our tiles. We received our tiles yesterday, and they are a wonderful memory of a wonderful day. read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

Robin's tile class was AMAZING!! We had 3 generations (from 5 yrs old to 70 yrs old) participate in tile making. Our family has been visiting Catalina for over 30 years and we learned so much about the history from Robin! She made it fun for all ages in our group. We can't wait to come back! read more

My son and his friend took me to Catalina last month for my birthday. My son suggested we visit Silver Canyon Pottery. We had the bext time ever! We had so much fun with Robin and enjoyed learning the history of the island and making tiles. I came today and I am so pleased. They are so beautiful and a special memory to share. I also fell in love with Robin's dog. I highly recommend tile making with Robin. read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - My tiles are so beautiful. I LOVE them. - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

My husband and I had such a great time learning about the geology of the island and making tile for the first time. I can't wait to receive our tiles in the mail to display in my Catalina Island themed home office. read more

This was such a blast! We brought our 5 year old and Robyn was great at explaining everything in a kid friendly way -- even history. A must do if you're visiting the read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

One of the best experiences or tours on the island. I have been to the island 4-5 times and wanted to do something a bit different. while I've been to the museum and heard about the history many times, Robin was able to share history that was new to me. She knows her stuff well. We made two tiles and ended up adding cork feet to ours to use as coasters. Robin mails them directly to you as well making it easy if you are flying home. The van to her studio was easy to find on the main boardwalk and a very short ride. The tour was very prompt and on time which was great. We did this from a cruise ship and has no issues catching the tenders and making it on time (and back on time!). read more

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Highlight of our trip. Learning the history and geology of the island + making our own tiles with such a gracious and brilliant host was amazing. read more

We had SUCH an amazing day today with Robin at Silver Canyon Pottery! She was so upbeat and friendly. BEYOND knowledgeable about all things tile/pottery/Catalina history. We enjoyed every second of our day. Making the tiles and adding our very own personalized touches to them was so fun and so special. Now we will have handmade keepsakes from our fun adventure! Robin we so sweet! She even drew us a map, suggested a delicious lunch spot, and drove us back into town. We couldn't help but smile and think of her whenever we came across her tile work....which is hard to miss! Thank you again Robin and Silver Canyon Pottery for such a magical and unique experience! read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

We were blown away by Robin's art tile work years ago when we started coming to Catalina years ago. She is one of those people that keep us coming back to the island. read more

Robin's tile EXPERIENCE truly is worth a visit! Our family of 6+1 booked a time slot while we were on Catalina Island for just one night, two days. It was well worth the trip because we spent quality time together learning about the history of Catalina, tile production, and got to create our own very tile (or two). Online signup is easy, communication is clear, transport provided if needed, and then the finished tile is sent to your home intact! My 5 yo daughter and 10 yo nephew thoroughly enjoyed the instruction and hands on experience pounding out clay. Would recommend and would do again! read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Our 5 year old can do this! - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

Robin is the best! My girlfriend and I come to the island a lot, this is definitely top 3 of our favorite things we have done! Robin and her pup Bailey were so much fun. We learned many new things about the island and new things to go check out as well. We can't wait to get our tiles to start a new collection of Catalina tiles in our home! We will be going back for sure! great experience! Got our tiles today! Couldn't be happier! read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

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5+ Stars for this fun and informative workshop! The owner/artist Robin was so welcoming and knowledgeable about the history of the region, it's culture, geology and mineralogy. All important to understanding the history and beauty of Catalina tiles. My daughter and I each got to make two tiles, and choose the final coloring for glazes. A "must" for anyone who enjoys arts and crafting. Thank you Robin for a great morning! read more

I've been coming to Catalina for 10 years and this is by far the most authentic experience I've had. Robin, a local islander, is a wealth of information about the island with depth in Native American and geological history that greatly filled out more recent history of brick/tile making. I was captivated by her enthusiasm and her skill - after class all I could spot when walking around the island was her tilework! You make your own tiles (first steps) in her studio and her crew will wrap up the firing and glaze and send them to you via mail. Going out to her studio gave my husband and I the chance to visit the east side of the island and pebbly beach - quieter and less frequented than the flats - which was a nice relief from cruise ship influx :) Happiest supporting local business - thanks for sharing your craft Robin! read more

You have to go!!!! By far my favorite activity on the island (took me a few times before I learned of it). Robin knows it all--from geology to history. I get that sounds boring but it really is the premise of WHY Catalina art/history is important and she is in love with tiling which makes the class that much more enjoyable. We also did the eco tour and I learned more about the island with Robin than on the tour (I would recommend doing both if you can but if I had to pick one it would be tiling). We did the deluxe class so we got to make three tiles in whatever mold we wanted. I couldn't decide so I ended up buying a 4th one for $5. We made them, let them bake in the sun, picked the colors for each area of the different tiles (she does the painting thank goodness& fires them and mails them to you) and then they cooked enough we got to take them out of the mold to see them. TLDR: Best money I spent in Catalina. read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

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If you're looking for a fun hands-on experience then this is one I can highly recommend! Robin and her right-hand Gina are true Islanders who enjoy sharing both the history of Santa Catalina Island and their creative talents with passion and flare. You can either walk out to the studio along Pebbly Beach Road past Lover's Cove or you can have them shuttle you out and back. Another option is to plan on eating at the Buffalo Nickel nearby as they also shuttle customers from and back to Avalon proper. However you choose to get there, once at the studio you will have the chance to get your hands a bit dirty while making your own souvenir tile or tiles, depending on which experience you choose. They make it easy and stress free so you don't have to have crafting superpowers to navigate the process with success. Though it was just my husband and I, I would guess this is appropriate for 12 and up kids as well. You get to pick your pattern and make the tile including putting your initials, etc. on the back. They take care of the glazing and firing based on your color selection instructions. Once done, your experience fee includes shipping. All you have to do is come have fun and your souvenirs will show up at your door. And there are other hand-crafted items made by Robin and Gina available for purchase too. Other things to know: they have coverings available to protect your clothes but don't wear your favorite white shorts, just in case; the studio is only accessible via a set of metal stairs with railing; the walk out and back is about 30 minutes each way along a road with no sidewalk so dress your tootsies appropriately. Now go have fun! read more

If you are looking for something unique to do on Catalina Island then check out Silver Canyon Pottery's 2 hour tile workshop! Reasons why it was fabulous: 1.The location is off the beaten path (a challenge for the small town of Avalon) and the owner Robin comes and picks you up in town and takes you the mile or so to the shop. 2.You are then treated to a quick history of tile on the island. Robin knows her stuff and the love she has for the history, craft and beauty of Catalina tile shines through! 3. Making the tile is super easy! Robin's instructions are clear and simple to follow. So many mold choices to pick! 4. Your hands get dirty and you get to take out your aggressions on the clay with a mallet. How awesome is that? Plus snazzy aprons and covers provided. And hand-wipes after the tile creation. 5. After the tile has been created the mold, you pick out the colors. It takes a few weeks to dry and glaze the tile. (Robin and her tile elves hard at work) Then the tile is shipped to you. I'm looking forward to my tiles arriving! Catalina has a lot of typical tourist things to do, I really don't think you can find a more original and interesting activity on the island. read more

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Outstanding!! Robin is an engaging fountain of information about clay, pottery and Catalina. She kept us enthralled with her stories. We've been to Catalina a number of times, but we learned things from her we'd never heard before. Neither my wife nor I are gifted creative artists, but Robin gently guided us toward the creation of 4 credible (OK, not bad!) tiles. Great fun, and something rather different that ties directly to Catalina's heritage and charm. Highly recommend!! read more

Great spot to take the kiddos while you're in Catalina!!! The whole tile making process was informative and very entertaining!

This was a very fun excursion. Robin was raised on the island and is very knowledgeable about the history here. Robin made us feel very special while she taught us how to make tile. It was so much fun. My husband enjoyed it as well. I highly recommend this to everyone. read more

This was an excellent tour!!! So much fun making the tiles. Robin knows all the history and was so enthusiastic about all the rich history of the island and tile making there. We want to go back and make some more!!! read more

Silver Canyon Pottery - Making the tiles - Art Tours Near Me - Avalon, California

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I highly recommend a visit, for a great creative experience that's a ton of fun. Robin was so kind, along with being knowledgable about Catalina history, tile and geology. Our group of four women were picked up by Robin and taken to the studio. The views were beautiful. Robin gave us a lesson on the geology of the area and the clay for the tiles, then a demo on the tile making process. We were able to choose our tile styles and get to work, it was a fun process. After finishing our tile we designed the color scheme, with Robins advice and finished the process. Robin drove us back to town, and we finished our vacation. We are now anxiously awaiting our finished tiles. read more

Great experience ) Amazing time A lot of new knowledges and best memories We were stock on the island because of the storm and find out this place. All I can say - you should try it! read more

What an amazing experience!!! Robin was fun and so sweet. Can't wait to see my creation!! Will definitely do this again!!!!

This was a super fun event! Robin (and Bailey) were friendly and Robin was very informative about the island, the clay, the history. We've been told by a friend how great this was and finally had the opportunity to experience it. A MUST DO on your next trip to Catalina! Book your experience in advance so you don't miss out! read more

Robin was awesome. Loved the whole experience. Couldn't have ended my visit to Catalina Island any better. Thanks for the lift Robin and Bailey. read more

What a wonderful way to begin the new year! Five of us ladies were picked up in town by a taxi and taken out to Pebbly Beach where Robin met us with her bubbly personality. She made us feel so comfortable in her fantastic open air studio. She is an islander, knowledgeable about geology and an expert at the science of glazes and tile making. I learned so many fascinating things about all of them. Then we got to play with clay! Robin made it fun and easy for us all. You don't have to have any artistic talent to enjoy this activity. You will feel so accomplished when you are done. I actually made two tiles and can't wait to see the finished product. Thanks for the joy Robin! read more

My girlfriend and I went to Catalina for my 40th birthday. She suggested going on this pottery thing where you can make your own tiles, and honestly, I was kind of "meh" at first. Not really my thing, but since it got great reviews, I thought it would be neat to check it out something a little different. Robin is da bomb. She's super nice, personable, and genuinely excited and animated about her work, which is a nice change from doing stuff where the people are just going through the motions. When booking your "tour", Robin is very responsive, and keeps in contact with you. She even calls to confirm a little while before your appointment to confirm the pick up location, which is a convenient spot in town. When you arrive at the pottery loaction (which is only a couple minutes outside of town, next to the Buffalo Nickel restaurant), the first part is going over some history and geology of the island, which we found very interesting. The part where you actually make your 3 tiles was super fun. Maybe it's because you're doing something creative with your hands? Robin shows you what to do, and we all did our first one together. After that you can go at your own pace with as little or as much instruction as you need. If you want to make more than 3 tiles you can, for a nominal materials fee. It was easily the coolest thing we did on the island, which kind of blows my mind. Even Robin's dog was cool! We can't recommend this enough. Just do it! read more