Private Catalina History & Tile-Making Experience

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Trip Highlights

  • Private and Personalized Experience

  • Flexible start time.

  • Budget friendly group rates

Description

Escape the hustle and bustle of town and enjoy a private tile-making experience on our colorful patio. Learn the fascinating tale of Catalina tile, pottery, and more, from Indigenous history to the wonders of the island. This exclusive experience is perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with Catalina's artistic roots. Families, bachelorette parties and corporate gatherings are all welcome to enjoy our all inclusive budget friendly group pricing and personal attention that will make planning a breeze.

How to book your Private Experience
How to book your Private Experience

Due to the flexibility of our Private Experience all bookings are handled personally. We love to connect to answer any questions and customize your class to fit your groups individual needs. Please e-mail via our contact form or call 310-499-8799. Please leave a message. We can be covered in clay but will respond as quickly as possible. Hope to see you at the shop!

What to Expect

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We handle all Private Class bookings personally via email or phone to customize it to your needs. We will collect a day of phone number that will be used to contact you the day of your class to make sure that you are all dialed in for our pick up location and details. The studio itself is a mile from town so round trip transport is provided unless otherwise requested. Be sure to tell your group to wear dark clothing.

Relax away from the bustle of town on our colorful patio while we tell you the fascinating tale of all things Catalina tile, pottery, and more! Native American lore, geology, archaeology, and California history all play a part. Your new knowledge will help you appreciate and enjoy all you will see throughout the town of Avalon.

Once you learn about the role this unique Catalina craft played in Island history, you’ll put on an apron, pick your tile patterns and follow along during our interactive lesson. You will be confident enough to then work at your own pace to create an additional tile. If the tile bug really bites, you are free to create extra tiles at a nominal fee. Don’t worry, we are there to assist you every step of the way. Next your tiles will set in the molds a few minutes while you decide just how you would like them colored up. Finally the wet tiles will fall right out of the molds and you will see how you have become a real pro!

You can peruse our Catalina themed library and view all our “mini” exhibits to add to your new-found knowledge and browse our small gallery, often filled with deals, seconds and fun finds

Due to the time needed to finish your tiles, we will color and “fire” the tiles. We will send the tiles within about 3 weeks. The tiles are 4″ x 4″ fully fired stoneware tiles suitable for installations indoors our out. Extra tiles available at charge of $10 ea. Fees include all materials and domestic US shipping via UPS or USPS. Multiple shipping addresses are ok. International shipping fees may apply.

 

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
1 to 12
Price starts at
$475
Languages
English
Meeting Point

Downtown Avalon (201 Clarissa Ave.) We will be in contact day of. Avalon CA

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Dropoff location

Downtown Avalon (201 Clarissa Ave.) We will be in contact day of. Avalon CA

Why take this tour?

This private Catalina tile class is led by renowned tile artist Robin Cassidy, whose work appears in collections and tile installations throughout Southern California. Native American lore, geology, archaeology, and California history all play a part. Come and learn more in this authentic Catalina experience during your family trip, bachelorette party, or corporate retreat. Personal attention, start time flexibility, and our festive studio atmosphere will make your event a truly memorable experience. Appeals to ages 5 to 95. Reservations can be make via our contact form or calling 310-499-8799. Please leave a message and we will respond as soon as possible.

Included

  • All Materials

  • Tile Firing and Shipping

  • Round trip transportation

  • Flexible start times

  • Shirts, aprons or full coverage provided

Excluded

  • Additional Tiles

Frequently asked questions

The private experience can accommodate up to 12 people.
Our studio is located about 1 mile from town. We provide round trip transportation via our local Taxi Company unless otherwise requested. Many vacation rentals provide golf carts and we are happy to send directions. Some folks enjoy the 30 minute flat coastal route and many decide to take the shuttle out and walk back. It's up to you! There is a popular local restaurant nearby called the Buffalo Nickel which can be a great stop for a casual before class lunch or after class cocktails on their outdoor patio. They have a shuttle as well!
Yes!! Extra tiles are available at a charge of $10 per tile. The charge is all inclusive for materials, processing and additional shipping charges. Payment is accepted at time of tour
The Private Tile experience can take up to 12 participants.
Yes we have parking available for those traveling to the studio using a rental golf cart or bike. Please park outside our gates to allow other tenants to access communal spaces. We will provide specific instructions on how to find us. There are no signs or numbers out at Pebbly Beach but our simple precise directions will make us easy to find.
On our Private Experience we allow a bit more flexibility on allowing ages under 5 to join. For safety reasons it's the toddler age which will require an adult to attend to anyone under 5 at all times. Many "later" 4 year olds can usually follow. We love kids (hey I'm a mom too!) so we will do all we can to make them have a blast as well. A small table and a chunk of clay is usually all it takes. Infants always welcome.
Basic restroom facilities available.

Things to know

Reservation Required

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Age Requirement

Participants must be 5 years or older. Infants are welcome.

Participants must be 5 years or older. Infants are welcome.

Duration

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.

Stairs Usage

The studio is located up one flight of stairs. Seating available during experience.

The studio is located up one flight of stairs. Seating available during experience.

Pebbly Beach

Pebbly Beach is our “industrial” area. In true artist form we’ve transformed our shipping container into a fun and funky artist retreat. It is located one mile from the town of Avalon and round trip transportation is provided unless otherwise requested.

Pebbly Beach is our “industrial” area. In true artist form we’ve transformed our shipping container into a fun and funky artist retreat. It is located one mile from the town of Avalon and round trip transportation is provided unless otherwise requested.

Pick Up Location

Our pick up location is conveniently located near downtown Avalon. It is a 5 minute walk from the boat dock. The address is 201 Clarissa in front of the Seacrest Inn. Our shuttle is a regular Avalon Taxi that we call from our studio when all of your group is onsite. It is included in your tour fees and is a round trip.

Our pick up location is conveniently located near downtown Avalon. It is a 5 minute walk from the boat dock. The address is 201 Clarissa in front of the Seacrest Inn. Our shuttle is a regular Avalon Taxi that we call from our studio when all of your group is onsite. It is included in your tour fees and is a round trip.

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