SOJI HOWE
Santa Cruz,CA
Summary
Ceramic artist and educator with over 20 years of experience in clay arts, specializing in wheel throwing, hand-building, and surface design. Founder of Soji’s Ceramics, a community-focused studio established in 2023, offering handmade functional ware and inclusive ceramics classes for all ages.
• Awarded recognition for excellence in arts education in Santa Cruz County (2018)
• Featured artist at Santa Cruz Art League Showcase (2024)
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Artist
Soji’s Ceramics
Santa Cruz, CA
2023 - Current
- Established Soji’s Ceramics studio in Davis (2023), relocating to Santa Cruz in 2024 to expand offerings.
- Produce functional and decorative ceramics, jewelry, and commissioned works.
- Teach wheel throwing, hand-building, and glazing techniques through group classes, private lessons, and open studio sessions.
- Develop custom clay and glazes using local mineral sources.
- Host community-based events such as Paint-A-Plate Parties and seasonal workshops.
Art Instructor
Santa Cruz Art League
Santa Cruz, CA
2015 - 2023
- Taught beginning and intermediate ceramics classes for children, teens, and adults.
- Designed inclusive lesson plans integrating both functional and decorative ceramic techniques.
- Mentored emerging ceramic artists and supported neurodivergent students through individualized instruction.
Visual Arts Teacher
Santa Cruz City Schools
Santa Cruz, CA
2005 - 2015
- Taught K–12 students in public school settings, developing visual arts curricula with an emphasis on ceramics and sculpture.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate ceramics into broader arts education programs.
- Organized annual student exhibitions showcasing ceramic projects.
Program Coordinator & Art Educator
Pacific Cultural Center
Santa Cruz, CA
2000 - 2005
- Developed and led after-school art and ceramics programs serving diverse youth populations.
- Coordinated community arts events and hands-on workshops.
- Provided ASL-accessible instruction for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Studio Assistant
Cabrillo College Ceramics Department
Aptos, CA
1995 - 2000
- Assisted professors and visiting ceramicists in kiln firing, glaze preparation, and wheel throwing demonstrations.
- Supported college students with foundational clay techniques and studio safety practices.
- Gained mentorship and professional grounding in ceramic arts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Ceramics
San Jose State University
San Jose, CASkills
- Wheel throwing and hand-building techniques
- Glaze formulation and clay mixing (lead-free, food safe)
- Surface design: sgraffito, brushwork, carving, and sculptural decoration
- Studio instruction for children, adults, and neurodivergent students
- Workshop facilitation and event programming (parties, open studios, paint-a-plate)
- Inclusive arts education; fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Business operations: curriculum design, marketing, community outreach
Affiliations
- Arts Council Santa Cruz County (Visual Artist)
- Local ceramics collectives and teaching networks (friendly collaborations since 2010)
Languages
English
Timeline
Founder & Artist
Soji’s Ceramics
2023 - Current
Art Instructor
Santa Cruz Art League
2015 - 2023
Visual Arts Teacher
Santa Cruz City Schools
2005 - 2015
Program Coordinator & Art Educator
Pacific Cultural Center
2000 - 2005
Studio Assistant
Cabrillo College Ceramics Department
1995 - 2000
Bachelor of Arts - Ceramics
San Jose State University