Silver Canyon Pottery
Silver Canyon Pottery
5
About
Silver Canyon Pottery offers an intimate glimpse into tile production on Catalina Island. Small, all inclusive tours, personally led by the artist, educate guests about the history, geology, artistic traditions, and techniques that created the historic tiles that define Catalina. Most fun of all, guests don an apron, role up their sleeves and create their own tile! Great family activity.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Terry TGreenville, South Carolina15 contributionsDon't Miss This Experience!This was an unexpected delight. I purchased this experience for my wife's birthday while visiting Catalina. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed making tiles with Robin, the incredibly talented potter who owns and operates Silver Canyon Pottery. She not only guides you through the process, but provides insightful and in depth history behind Catalina tiles and the island, but also the geology and how fine pottery is made. This is a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting Catalina. Robin's creations are available for purchase in her studio as well as at The Steamer Trunk store in town. Thank you, Robin. Give our best to Bailey, she's a good girl.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 30, 2023
- Fatima2 contributionsSomething special to do while on catalinaRobin is an excellent teacher about pottery but also the history of Catalina and the Native American indigenous population that lived on the Island. I've been to Catalina so many times and have done all the touristy things, this was definitely unique and interesting plus you get 2 tiles that you made! Recommend to anyone visiting the Island.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 30, 2024
- justgetitdone4Tucson, Arizona30 contributionsPerfect experience in Catalina!We had an amazing visit to this amazing pottery on Catalina! My mom and I were in port on a cruise ship and looking for a unique experience. Robin picked us up right in the middle of Avalon (short walk), and took us to her pottery. We learned about the history of the island and the tiles that adorn the walls and buildings. Her pottery is covered with photos and pieces of the history, and she's a great story teller. After that, we selected designs and colors, and made our own tiles. Robin's guidance made it fun and easy. I can't wait for them to show up in the mail! I highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting the island. It is a true gem!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
132 reviews
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5
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Terry T
Greenville, SC15 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was an unexpected delight. I purchased this experience for my wife's birthday while visiting Catalina. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed making tiles with Robin, the incredibly talented potter who owns and operates Silver Canyon Pottery.
She not only guides you through the process, but provides insightful and in depth history behind Catalina tiles and the island, but also the geology and how fine pottery is made.
This is a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting Catalina. Robin's creations are available for purchase in her studio as well as at The Steamer Trunk store in town.
Thank you, Robin. Give our best to Bailey, she's a good girl.
She not only guides you through the process, but provides insightful and in depth history behind Catalina tiles and the island, but also the geology and how fine pottery is made.
This is a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting Catalina. Robin's creations are available for purchase in her studio as well as at The Steamer Trunk store in town.
Thank you, Robin. Give our best to Bailey, she's a good girl.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justgetitdone4
Tucson, AZ30 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We had an amazing visit to this amazing pottery on Catalina! My mom and I were in port on a cruise ship and looking for a unique experience. Robin picked us up right in the middle of Avalon (short walk), and took us to her pottery. We learned about the history of the island and the tiles that adorn the walls and buildings. Her pottery is covered with photos and pieces of the history, and she's a great story teller.
After that, we selected designs and colors, and made our own tiles. Robin's guidance made it fun and easy. I can't wait for them to show up in the mail! I highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting the island. It is a true gem!
After that, we selected designs and colors, and made our own tiles. Robin's guidance made it fun and easy. I can't wait for them to show up in the mail! I highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting the island. It is a true gem!
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
avalon2020
Paris, France3,696 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
What a fun afternoon making beautiful tiles. Robin is a true gem. She has so much knowledge of Catalina Island and of pottery-making. We loved getting our hands dirty and making our own tiles. They will be beautiful souvenirs for our friends. We highly recommend this activity!
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fatima
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Robin is an excellent teacher about pottery but also the history of Catalina and the Native American indigenous population that lived on the Island. I've been to Catalina so many times and have done all the touristy things, this was definitely unique and interesting plus you get 2 tiles that you made! Recommend to anyone visiting the Island.
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
San Diego, California, United States3 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
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!
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!
Written November 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much! I always joke with gals who call that we specialize in reluctant boyfriends. Everyone enjoys hammering the clay with the mallet for sure. I get so many photos of my dog Bailey sent to me that my family keeps saying she'll have to get her own fan page. Take Care and look us up again next time.
Written November 18, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judith A
8 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
My daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law and I were delighted to be picked up by an "Island car" at our cruise arrival site by a vivacious native of Catalina Island. She give us an interesting running history of the area and answered all our questions. We loved her studio by the ocean in a quiet, remote location. As the weather was beautiful we worked on our clay tiles outside. The 11 year old learned something and had fun at the same time. Those tiles were easy to do and quite pretty. We are looking forward to receiving them in the mail after they are fired. I would visit this nice lady on any future trips there.
Written December 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelingwithgirls
Houston, TX92 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
A great way to learn about Catalina island history and how to make the famous tiles. Our entire group from age 8-78 enjoyed it. We can't wait to receive our finished tiles when we get home. We highly recommend it.
Written December 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mckavalon
30 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Catalina decorative tile is a big part of the island's history, as the originals were only produced between 1927 and 1937. Robin's studio is located on the grounds of the original tile plant, and she has revived this art form. She taught us how the tiles were made, then guided us in making our own tiles. She mails the finished tiles to the visitors after they are fired. No other souvenir can compare to a beautiful glazed tile honoring the rich history of the island and hand made on the island.
Written December 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulesVerne2U
Peoria, AZ1 contribution
Nov 2014 • Friends
My friend & I went to Catalina Island as part of an itinerary for our Carnival Baja cruise and decided this would be a unique experience. We loved it! Robin met our group near the pier and had a shuttle takes us to her studio about a mile away. She gave our group some background history of the island and Wrigley's efforts to rebuild it. Then we were given lessons in making tiles and provided the clay to make 3 tiles. Additional tiles can be made for an additional small fee. After the tiles dry, colors are selected and Robin takes care of the rest - she finishes the tiles (firing, painting, etc.) and mails them to you at home. Charge for the 4 hour experience with 3 tiles is $45, with $5 for each additional tile, and she offers other items for sale at her studio.
Written November 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica B
Costa Mesa, CA17 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
My 8-year-old daughter and I were on Catalina for the day. She is not a swimmer, so doing any of the water activities was out of the question. Luckily I saw Silver Canyon Pottery on the Chamber of Commerce website and also on Tripadvisor. My daughter is very creative and makes things with polymer clay. This tour was perfect! Robin picked us up and drove us to her studio where we were given a history lesson on the role clay played in the development of Catalina Island. She also had rock samples and explained how they became clay. And then the fun part began! We were able to make 3 tiles each. Robin will color them and send them in the mail to us after they have been dried and put into the kiln. We had an awesome time and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who likes to get their hands dirty and make a one-of-a-kind souvenir!
Written August 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderer643871
Bakersfield, California
What size are the tiles?
Also is this an 'excursion' through Carnival cruise line?
Written April 2, 2017
Hi there. Tiles are 4" x 4" in size. They are a fully fired stoneware tile that is ok for using in any indoor or outdoor installation (hard freeze conditions not recommended). We are not on the cruise ship tour offerings but our schedule accomodates the time frame of the cruise ship docking times. Feel free to call or text at 310-499-8799 with any additional questions. We are about one week away from our new website which will have TONS more info. thank you! Robin
Written April 3, 2017
This is just a working studio, but not a gallery. It is located on the second floor of a building - it is open air. She has a small area that has samples and pieces you can purchase. There are many places in town that you can see the work that was created at the studio. The draw for this attraction for me was the personalized attention/knowledge of the owner and the opportunity to create my own tiles. It was a fun experience for us.
Written May 18, 2016
Hi there. We have an all inclusive price of $50 per person adults and $40 for kids thru 16. This covers your whole experience which is round trip shuttle to the studio, 3 tiles per person and because we must finish them for time reasons, your domestic US shipping as well. Go flat rate! We accept all cards and all parties are welcome to pay seperately. Hope that helps😃
Written October 26, 2015
Do you get to take your tile home the when you finish or is there a wait time until you receive it?
Written August 19, 2015
We have about a two week turn around tile as they are a fully fired stoneware tile suitable for indoor or outdoor installation. They are colored up to your choices and domestic US shipping is included in your tour cost. No hidden charges☺
Written August 19, 2015
Julie0302
Ventura, California
We will be visiting Catalina on June 29th for my grand daughters birthday she will be 5 also my other grand daughter is also 5 my question is could the birthday girl make something special?
Written May 1, 2015
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