By Phoenix Guevara, Feb. 25, 2025
In the heart of Downtown Pomona, where deep-rooted history and artistic expression thrive, the American Museum of Ceramic Art bridges ancient traditions with contemporary innovation through rotating exhibitions featuring its vast collection of more than 3,000 pieces.
Founded in 2003, this museum occupies a historic building that was once a bank. Today, it stands as a sanctuary committed to promoting the rich history and future of ceramic art.
“It is great to have the American Museum of Ceramic Art here in Pomona,” said Cal Poly Pomona ceramics instructor Gina D. Lawson Egan. “It benefits our community because it gives the community access to an amazing variety of ceramic exhibitions, collections, workshops and studio opportunities for those who wish to learn.”
The vision behind AMOCA was shaped by its late founder, David Armstrong, a Claremont resident and Pomona entrepreneur. Armstrong’s passion for ceramics started in the 1960s, and he envisioned a museum solely dedicated to clay in Southern California. He believed the region’s rich tradition of ceramics and the arts made it the perfect location for such an institution.
Through AMOCA, Armstrong aimed to create a space that not only showcases stunning works but also serves as an educational resource for aspiring ceramicists and art enthusiasts.
“I think one thing that makes our museum really unique is it’s one of the biggest collections of ceramics on the West Coast,” said Melissa Scrivner, the museum store and guest services manager.
Stepping into AMOCA today, visitors are greeted by a fusion of historical architecture and contemporary art. The museum features multiple exhibitions, collections and interactive sessions.
The former bank’s grand vault, complete with a massive steel door, now houses the museum’s newest exhibit, “SoCal Critters: Howard Pierce.” This display features around 50 mid-century ceramic animals, birds and various whimsical creatures that depict local wildlife through Pierce’s ceramic lens.
“Our permanent collection is really big with over 3,000 pieces, and we also have a lot of rotating exhibits showcasing local and Southern California artists,” Scrivner said.
Currently on display in the main gallery is the exhibit “Architectural Pottery: Ceramics for a Modern Landscape,” featuring an impressive array of works by under-recognized ceramic artists alongside contributions from designers such as Marilyn Kay Austin and Raul Angulo Coronel.
“The giant mural on the back wall drew my attention the most,” said Jonathan Alford, a visitor at the museum and CPP mathematics alumnus. “When I walked into a very white room, it was the thing that popped out most to me.”
The exhibition features an array of functional and decorative ceramic vessels paired with contemporary photographs, original catalogs and ephemera. Together, these elements provide visitors with an in-depth look at the evolution and influence of ceramic design.
AMOCA not only allows visitors to view its collections but also provides various engaging activities and resources. The museum features virtual exhibitions, clay classes and studio rentals. Additionally, AMOCA organizes artist talks that allow guests to connect with creators and a scholarship fund, which provides artists equal opportunities to thrive.
“Surrounding yourself with other artists who love to work in clay is a great place to start and, most importantly, always have fun,” Egan said.
Complementing these offerings is the Helen and Roger Porter Resource Library collection focused on ceramics, serving as a valuable resource for research and inspiration.
As visitors explore the AMOCA, they aren’t simply observing artworks; they’re seeing the connection between the past, present and future of ceramic art.
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and admission is $7 for students with a school ID. Additionally, AMOCA hosts a “pay what you can” day on the first Friday of each month, allowing visitors to enter for free or make a voluntary contribution to support the museum.
Feature image courtesy of Phoenix Guevara
