'Greetings From Laguna' Public Art At Greeter's Corner

LAGUNA BEACH, CA—At the corner of Brooks Street and Coast Highway under the towering sculpture of Greeter Eiler Larsen is another work of public art. Surrounding the patio of the Old Pottery Place is a whimsical steel fence. Its design is a nod to the willow fence that once enclosed the perimeter of the long-standing but bygone Pottery Shack. Mounted within each panel is a colorful ceramic tile reproducing a different vintage postcard of Laguna Beach from the 1940s and 1950s.

"Greetings From Laguna" is a collaboration of sculptor Marsh Scott and ceramicist Sherry Bullard. While the fence echoes the vines of the original willow fence, the 3-dimensional tiles are a direct nod to the Pottery Shack, which was a landmark along Coast Highway for 66 years, beginning in 1936.

The historic corner first held a dwelling until new owners transformed it into the Yum-Yum Tea Room. Then, in 1936, the Childs family opened the Pottery Shack. The first load of merchandise sold at the shack was sourced from J.A. Bauer Pottery of Los Angeles, a Kentucky potter who relocated to California in 1910.

These days, Bauer Pottery manufactures reproductions of its vintage designs.

In 1972, Pier One Imports bought the Pottery Shack for a brief stint. The place finally closed in 2004.

In 2006, following a two-year renovation under the watchful eyes of the Laguna Beach Heritage Committee, it reopened as the Old Pottery Place. Now, there are restaurants, shops and offices surrounding the patio's outdoor seating.

"Greetings From Laguna" was installed that same year.

Bullard has lived in Laguna Beach since 1975 and is a stalwart of the Sawdust Festival. In addition to clay sculpture, she works in watercolor and oil. In her efforts to inspire new generations of art makers, she has served as a trustee for the Sawdust Artist Benevolence Fund and is now director of art education for Laguna Outreach for Community Arts.

Marsh Scott's prolific sculpture graces public spaces throughout Southern California, and she has been commissioned by numerous private institutions. Her "Colors of the Canyon" can be seen on Broadway downtown, beautifying Laguna's bus and trolley depot. Known for her pierced-metal pieces that relate specifically to their surroundings, Scott also works in marble, stone and alabaster. The 2010 Laguna artist of the year now lives and works in Dana Point.