U P C O M I N G E X H I B I T I O N :
OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, APRIL 17
6PM - 8PM
APRIL 17 - JUNE 28, 2026
A B O U T T H E S H O W :
Ritual is a curated group exhibition that brings together contemporary ceramic artists whose work explores identity, belonging, and community through material practice The exhibition considers ritual not as a fixed or ceremonial act alone, but as a lived and embodied process expressed through repetition, gesture, inheritance, and transformation. Clay serves as both medium and metaphor, carrying personal, cultural, and collective histories while remaining open to reinvention.
Through diverse approaches to ceramics, Ritual foregrounds how material practices shape meaning and connection The exhibition invites artists whose work engages themes of cultural memory, lineage, diaspora, tradition and social ritual, positioning ceramics as a powerful site for contemporary inquiry.
As part of the exhibition, MBAC’s Education Space will be transformed into a contemporary tea room inspired by Japanese tea ceremonies Presented in collaboration with Zakka Bakka Shop and TEA TEA TEA, the installation brings together traditional objects and handcrafted ceramic elements to create a reimagined environment for reflection and gathering. During the opening reception, tea master Shingo Murayama will activate the space through tea offerings, inviting visitors to experience ritual as a shared and embodied practice.
Join us at the Manhattan Beach Art Center for the opening reception on Friday, April 17th from 6pm to 8pm. Doors open at 6pm, light food and beverages will be provided The opening reception of Ritual is sponsored by Simms Restaurants
P A R T I C I P A T I N G A R T I S T S :
Alex Anderson
Charly Blackburn
Anabel Juarez
Henry Kim
Charles Snowden
Claudia Solorzano
APPLICATIONSOPENINGSOON!
April6th-May15th2026
Disclaimer: Because of the increased number of applications, the selection process is highly competitive Please note that submissionofanapplicationdoesnotensureselection
FOR BEGINNNERS
Spring into your painting journey with our introduction painting classes! These beginner-friendly classes build core skills, encourage exploration, and give you the confidence to grow as an artist.
FOUNDATIONSPAINTING#48324
18andup
Apr24-Jun26,2026
Fri12PM-3PM
INTROTOOILPAINTING#48326
18andup
Apr22-Jun24,2026
Wed6:30PM-9PM
LIVE ANATOMY DRAWING & DIGITAL DRAWING
Join Instructor Lucy Cui for her adult classes: Live Anatomy Drawing and Digital Drawing. In Live Anatomy Drawing, you can build your figure drawing skills with a live model. Learn proportion, gesture, and anatomy through guided practice, with time to develop your own style. In Digital Drawing, Lucy will teach you how to create everything from animals to characters using just a tablet perfect for beginners and artists looking to grow their skills.
DIGITALDRAWING#48320
18andup
Apr21-Jun23,2026
Tue6:30PM-9PM
LIVEANATOMYDRAWING#48325
18andup
Apr23-Jun25,2026
Thu6:30PM-9PM
S P R I N G W O R K S H O P S
IKEBANA : JAPANESE FLORAL ARRANGMENT
In this two-part workshop, students will learn the basic principles, history, and significance of Ikebana and then enjoy creating their own Ikebana-inspired arrangements implementing these theories and techniques. In Part 1 of this workshop, you'll design and sculpt a ceramic floral frog (a reusable alternative to the traditional kenzan), which will serve as the foundation for your Ikebana arrangement in Part 2.
IKEBANAWORKSHOP-PART1
CERAMICFLORALFROG#48451
16andup
Saturday,April11th2026
10AM-1PM
IKEBANAWORKSHOP–PART2
FLORALARRANGEMENT#48452
16andup
Saturday,April25th2026
10AM-1PM
S P R I N G W O R K S H O P S
MOLDMAKING: HANDBUILTMUG& SPRIGMOLDS
Expand your ceramic skills with our hands-on workshops designed for all levels. In Sprig Molds, you’ll create custom plaster molds using small objects or carved designs, then learn how to apply your sprigs to greenware for added texture and dimension. In Handbuilt Mug, you’ll craft simple plaster molds to shape a unique mug, exploring slab construction, mold care, and plaster mixing. In each workshop, you’ll gain practical techniques you can apply to your creations whether you ’ re a beginner or experienced ceramic artist!
MOLDMAKING:SPRIGMOLDSWITH EILENSTEWART#48454
18andup
Sunday,April12th2026 10AM-1PM
MOLDMAKING:HANDBUILTMUGWITH EILENSTEWART#48453
16andup
Saturday,April18th2026
1:30PM-4:30PM
STOPMOTION CAMP #48449
AGES 8 - 16 MANHATTAN BEACH ART CENTER
MON - THU, 9AM - 12PM JUL 27 - 30, 2026
In Stop Motion Studio, students will explore the magic of animation by turning everydaymaterialsintomovingstories.Overfourdays,participantswilldesignand build their own paper puppets creations and sets. Students will learn the fundamentals of stop-motion animation, including storytelling, character movement,timing,andframing.Usingtheirphones,they’llcaptureimagesframe byframeandwatchtheircreationscometolifeonscreen.Thishands-onsummer activityencouragescreativity,experimentation,andproblem-solvingwhilegiving studentsthefreedomtoworkattheirownpace.Bytheendofthesession,each studentwillcompleteashortstop-motionanimationtheycanshareandbeproud of.MobileDeviceortabletrequired.
LEARN MORE
KID’S CLAY INTENSIVE
AGES
8 - 14
MANHATTAN BEACH ART CENTER MON - THU
9AM - 12PM
SPRING BREAK CAMP SUMMER CAMP
LEARN MORE
Kids'ClayIntensiveexploresthefoundationalskillsofworking withclaywhilecreatingfunanduniqueprojects!Camperswill learnessentialtechniqueslikecoilbuilding,pinchpots,slipping, scoring,andglazing,gaininghands-onexperienceinpottery basics.Letyourimaginationcometolifeasyoudesignandcraft one-of-a-kindcreations,includingfunctionalitems,decorative pieces,andprojectsinspiredbyyourowncreativity.Feeincludes allmaterialsandfiring.Campwillbeheldoutsideonthe ManhattanBeachArtCenterPatio.Allworkwillbefiredand availableforpick-up1weekaftercampconcludes.
MON TUES WED THURS
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1:30PM Mold Making: Sprig Molds Workshop
- 5PM
6:30PM Digital Drawing - Heights ACE APPLICATIONS OPEN
FOR INSTALL CLOSED FOR INSTALL CLOSED FOR INSTALL CLOSED FOR INSTALL
6:30PM Digital Drawing - Heights
11:30AM Adult Art Journaling 3:30PM Art Lab 6:30PM Intro to Oil Painting
10AM Ikebana Part 1: Ceramic Frogs Workshop 29 30 RITUAL 10AM - 9PM RITUAL 10AM - 9PM
11:30AM Adult Art Journaling 3:30PM Art Lab 6:30PM Intro to Oil Painting
4PM Basics in Pencil Drawing 6:30PM Live Anatomy Drawing 9AM Found Draw 12PM Found Paint 4PM Art Adv: Little Masters RITUAL OPENING RECEPTION 6PM - 8PM
1:30PM Mold Making: Handbuilt Mugs Workshop
4PM Basics in Pencil Drawing 6:30PM Live Anatomy Drawing
10AM Ikebana Part 2: Floral Arrangement Workshop