Participant Biographies and Project Descriptions

Alex Long
Alex became entranced with clay and the potter’s wheel in 1968 at the age of 13. He would often visit a talented artist and potter from Solana Beach, California who would let him Throw on his potter’s wheel if Alex cleaned the studio. When he was 17 years old, Alex showed in an art gallery for the first time and decided that he would become a professional artist. He first began working as a production potter. However, by 1981 he began focusing all of his efforts on creating one-of-a-kind art pieces for galleries and shows. For the last 15 years Alex has been making extremely large Raku pieces, some as large as 85 pounds. Alex believes that the arts can have a profound influence on young people that stays with them throughout their lives. He wants to show young people that there are productive ways to enjoy life and help them avoid drifting towards unproductive activities.

Alex is giving children and teens a complete, hands-on experience in the creation of hand formed ceramic art & tiles. This includes "throwing" on the potter's wheel, as well as glazing and firing their artwork in a kiln. He is engaging the youth to fix the old kiln at the Boys and Girls Club and transform one of the rooms into a workable artist studio. Alex hopes to inspire youth by taking them on field trips to his studio and by looking for opportunities to show their work. Alex is collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club in Encinitas. This club serves a low income neighborhood with few after school opportunities for children and teens who are at risk for gang involvement and violence. Alex’ goal is to providing a safe and enjoyable activity for youth after school; promote confidence, independence and the pure joy of creating art. He also hopes to develop the talent of some of the Boys and Girls Club staff so they have the ability to run the program on their own.