New ceramic hand-building workshop studio opening in Monrovia

The San Gabriel Valley is getting a new space to explore the art of ceramic hand-building in Monrovia. HandBuilding 101 — located at 135 E. Chestnut Ave., Unit 4B, in Monrovia — officially opens Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. The studio will hold a grand opening event on Aug. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. featuring studio tours, live demonstrations, and complimentary refreshments.

HandBuilding 101 provides an environment where local artists, hobbyists, pottery students, and ceramic enthusiasts from the San Gabriel Valley can come together to learn and create.

“Our mission is to provide a welcoming space for the community to develop their artistic skills through ceramics,” said owner Izabel Martinez. “We are excited to see the incredible works of art our students will create and the bonds that will form through this shared experience.”

The studio offers various workshops for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced ceramic hand-building techniques, and special discounts for students, seniors, and veterans. Martinez hopes HandBuilding 101 becomes a community hub and a ‘third space’ where people can congregate outside of their homes and workplaces to bond, collaborate and create.

The studio is open to participants during workshop hours. For more information about workshops, events, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.handbuilding101.com or contact Izabel Martinez at 323-684-8564 or handbuilding101@gmail.com.