* What: AMOCA (American Museum of Ceramic Art) is a premier institution dedicated to championing the art, history, creation, and technology of ceramics. They are cultivating a comprehensive cultural sanctuary that exhibits profound historical and contemporary ceramic works while fostering artistic evolution through rigorous studio programming. Their strategic focus preserves ceramic heritage while nurturing a new generation of clay practitioners and enthusiasts.

• Why: The "secret sauce" of AMOCA lies in its dual identity as both a venerable repository of ceramic history and a vibrant, active maker-space. By integrating a 12,000-square-foot ceramics studio within a 51,000-square-foot facility of galleries and collections, they eliminate the barrier between observation and creation. This synergy allows visitors to draw immediate inspiration from world-class exhibitions and translate it directly into physical practice, deepening cross-cultural understanding and elevating the aesthetic appreciation of clay.
• How: The museum curates diverse gallery exhibitions, spanning archaeological artifacts, mid-century architectural pottery, and contemporary avant-garde clay art. Parallel to its role as a museum, it operates as a premier teaching facility. Engagement occurs through gallery admission for the public, while artists and students participate through dedicated studio access, specialized workshops, and K-12 educational programs led by expert resident teaching artists.
• Who: Established in 2003 by Pomona businessman and ceramic artist David Armstrong, AMOCA is a California-based nonprofit organization. Currently under the leadership of Executive Director Beth Ann Gerstein, the institution maintains a professional culture deeply committed to arts education, accessibility, and community stewardship.