Santa Cruz Pottery

This store has been here as long as I can remember. I remember driving by it as a kid on my way to the boardwalk. I remember driving by it on my way to college. And it was still there on my last visit to Santa Cruz. Their pottery is beautiful. My favorite right now are their coffee mugs, as they have a good grip feel.
The man who runs the store is more focused on his work than customer service, so cut him some slack. He can come off as short or rude, but get him to talk about his work, the history of a pottery style, etc and he’ll share you some of his knowledge– I found it very interesting especially when I asked about a glaze that was similar to some pottery I have that is over 20 years old.

Been there twice and both times the owner was very rude. I am an artist and I have met plenty of his kind. Too bad he is doing a disservice to the artists selling their work there. Some beautiful pieces, but I didn’t want to spend my money because of the crap way I was treated. He should be in a studio somewhere out in the sticks and let the really likeable woman that was there run the place.

I like it here. They have really nice and well done pottery. Dishware, cookware, you name it, and it is all pretty.

Our first visit, after living in Santa Cruz for over 10 years, what a surprise! Found just the right gift, service was just right. We will go back.
BnS Santa Cruz

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this pottery. The pottery sale the first weekend of August was the best. Thanks Joel! The wine, awesome chocolate chip cookies, and music was the best on such an amazing afternoon to enjoy in your beautiful yard. Thanks! The pottery was great of course!

I had an unpleasant experience with one of the potters today…
As I purchased some pottery, I attempted to make friendly small talk with the man behind the counter. Complementing his work and the creativity that was put into some of the pieces. We got around to discussing my interest in pottery and that’s where the conversation got awkwardly unpleasant. He asked me how much experience I had and I replied, «not much.» Then, he proceeded to mock and ridicule me for my lack of experience. Pointing out that he’s been doing this for 32 years…
It must be hard to be happy for those who find pottery to be an artistic hobby, not a source of income.
I had such high hopes walking in. However, I feel that financially supporting a local business/​business owner who lacks courtesy, appreciation for the potential customer, and is arrogant and smug about his mediocre work, does not deserve my business. Therefore, I will not be returning to this location and can guarantee that my family, friends, and neighbors will be keeping their distance as well.

I love Joel Magen’s stuff. His subtle, strongly Japanese, calligraphic sensibility and innovative glazes lend an artistic touch to piece designs that range from full-​on exploratory shapes to very traditional, functional items. His coffee mugs are light but capacious. His table pieces (chargers, bowls, loaf warmers) are bold enough to display, but you’ll want to use them every day.
BTW, those of you wanting to see more of Joel’s stuff (or maybe get a personal consultation if you’re looking to commission something) might drift on up to his Dark Horse Pottery studio just north of Santa Cruz in Davenport. He’s usually open on Sundays. There should be a sandwich sign out on Route 1 near the cement plant if his studio is open.

Had an awful experience with the man running the store. I came in looking to buy a large bowl, and he was rude, rude RUDE! I am a very nice person but he made it very clear that he didn’t give a flying f*** about being nice. It was obvious that I was taking time out of his very busy day by trying to give him money. Think his name was Joe.
Besides that, the work was nothing special, location is good, shop is clean.

Santa Cruz Pottery was on the top 5 places to see while in Santa Cruz. It did not disappoint. They were open and ready for our visit with a welcome smile and easy exchange. Joel Magen, one of the three owners, was there. And we got to visit with Katie too. She was a delight telling us about our choices and talking about her mom who lives down here with us in San Diego. We promised to say «Hi Mom» when we got back. We told her about eating at Ristorante Avanti the night before (it’s directly across the street). She smiled and asked if we liked the Santa Cruz Pottery dish used over there to serve the olives? Our eyes opened wide and, YES, we very much like the dishes. (Later that night we ate at SOIF and the waiter that served us coffee said «these cups are from Santa Cruz Pottery.» We were VERY surprised. I asked if he knew Katie? Big smile, oh YES he did know Katie and Joel too.)
We found some wonderful pottery to bring home and most importantly have a great memory. Yes indeed we gave a big shout out to Kacy’s mom as we drove into San Diego. «Hi mom!» and yes, Katie is doing great!