Cahuilla Style Pottery

Tony Soares learned the fundamentals of pottery from his grandmother at age 7, starting a more than 40-year journey to revive the fading art of olla making. Though not of Cahuilla descent, he advocates to revive the art of Cahuilla pottery making through his experimentation with local clays and Indigenous handbuilding techniques. His pottery is displayed in art galleries and museums, including the Tahquitz Canyon Museum. Tony shares his knowledge with local tribal communities and the general public to ensure that Native American pottery making is never lost. He has taught at many venues, including the Agua Caliente Band of the Desert Cahuilla of Palm Springs, the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ and the Yuman tribes of the Colorado River, AZ.

Includes materials, and use of a personal set of tools; you may be asked to bring additional materials.

A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE!
For the field trip portion of the workshop, be sure to bring:
4-5 large ziplock bags
Sun hat
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Work gloves
Comfortable walking shoes or boots for rough terrain

Optional:
Small portable lamp (clamp is best)
Seat cushion

Each day, your workshop starts at 9 am. Lunch is served from 12 pm to 1 pm. Workshops all recommence at 1 pm and wrap up at 4 pm. Dinner is served from 5 pm to 7 pm.
NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the classroom, you can work on your pieces after 4 pm.

1) Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers

For adults 18 and older with current tribal affiliation, the scholarship brings community leaders, artists, members, and teachers to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal communities. Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy.

Click here for more information about adult scholarships.

Your workshop includes a field trip to the Cahuilla Indian Reservation to learn how to extract clay directly from the earth. Please dress appropriately and bring a water bottle. Boxed lunches and water will be provided. The firing of your pieces will take place at 6 am on Friday morning at the Kennedy Kiln Yard. Please be prepared to have your ceramic pieces complete by Thursday afternoon so they have the appropriate amount of time to dry before firing.