Join us for a morning stroll to enjoy the beauty and history of tile on Catalina Island. As passengers disembark onto Catalina Island, they are greeted by a manifold array of colorful tiles decorating the storefronts, walkways, planters, rooftops, and fountains. The tour will go down Crescent Avenue along Avalon Bay—where the likes of Marylin Monroe and Charles Chaplain once strolled—as author and artist Ronald Smith introduces you to the Vintage Tiles, hidden amongst all the contemporary tiles, which were made on the Island with clay found on the Island from 1927–1937.
There will be a second tour date/time on Sunday, May 14 at 11:30 - 12:45pm.
This is an in person limited capacity tour for a total of 30 people on Catalina Island. Tickets will not be sold onsite. All transactions must be completed by May 10th or when tickets sell out.
ABOUT RON SMITH:
R. D. Smith is a screenwriter and author living in Southern California. He holds a Master of Arts in Illustration Design from Savannah College of Art and Design, and has been a college professor teaching graphic design for seventeen years. He is also a member of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles!
You can purchase Ron Smith’s book In Search of the Vintage Tiles of Catalina Island: An Easter Egg Hunt in a Sea of Easter Eggs and have him sign it when you take this tour!
“R.D. Smith’s colorful tour book is both beautiful and functional—much like the Vintage tiles he describes within. Accessible and yet rich with the technical detail of the tile-making processes, Smith has crafted a fun and engaging way to experience the legacy of the island. His well-researched histories and use of local knowledge make this a unique, interactive, and necessary guide.”
—Johnny Sampson, Chief Curator, Catalina Museum of Art & History
Where to Meet:
In front of the Catalina Casino (same location as the Ball). The tour will embark from the Casino. Because this is a walking tour, please be on time, so you don’t get left behind!
Walking shoes, sunscreen and hats recommended. This is a relatively gentle walk.
Tickets:
$20 Art Deco Society of Los Angeles Members
$25 General Admission
These tickets are non-refundable.
Online ticket sales end on Wednesday, May 10 at 11:59 PM. If available tickets will be available for $30 (cash only, exact change). The staff person checking people in can sell you a ticket if space is available.
photos: Ron Smith.
