How the People’s Pottery Project is Shaping Lives in Los Angeles

In a modest ceramics studio in Los Angeles, the People’s Pottery Project (PPP) is quietly transforming lives. Founded in 2019, this unique initiative provides employment, support, and a sense of community for individuals who have experienced incarceration or homelessness, Frieze reports. With a focus on creativity and craftsmanship, PPP is more than just a pottery studio—it’s a beacon of hope for those seeking a second chance.

Strong sense of community
The People’s Pottery Project was the vision of artist and activist Molly Larkey, who recognized the profound impact that creative work can have on individuals struggling to reintegrate into society. According to The Los Angeles Times, Larkey, along with a group of fellow artists and activists, established PPP to provide meaningful employment and a supportive environment for people facing significant barriers to employment. The project offers participants the opportunity to create pottery, from functional wares to artistic pieces, while also fostering a strong sense of community.

One of the most compelling aspects of PPP is its holistic approach to empowerment. Participants, many of whom have faced systemic marginalization, find not only a job but also a community that values their creativity and individuality. The studio operates as a cooperative, where members share responsibilities and decision-making power, further reinforcing the project’s ethos of mutual support and collective growth. This model not only equips participants with practical skills in ceramics but also instills a sense of ownership and agency that can be crucial for personal development. 

“I really had this intuition … that this could be something that would be really powerful to do a variety of things at once, to provide wages to people, to provide a platform for the advocacy and the anti-carceral organizing that I was doing. This is a platform for people to actually come to know us and our community, and really see that we’re the same. What people need are jobs and love and connection and care — and we’re not providing a whole lot of that in our society right now,” Larkey told KCRW. 

Healing through self-expression
The pottery created at PPP is more than just art; it is a means of self-expression and healing. Working with clay offers a tactile, meditative experience that can be deeply therapeutic. For many participants, the act of molding clay becomes a metaphor for their own lives—a process of reshaping, rebuilding, and reclaiming their identity, KCRW points out. 

PPP’s impact extends beyond the studio walls. The project has gained recognition in the broader Los Angeles community and beyond, thanks in part to its collaborations with local businesses and cultural institutions. The ceramics created by PPP participants are sold through various outlets, with proceeds going directly back to support the program. This not only provides financial stability for the project but also raises awareness of the social issues it seeks to address. By placing these handmade ceramics in homes across the city, PPP is spreading its message of resilience and renewal far and wide .

As the People’s Pottery Project continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide a space for healing, creativity, and community. In a world where second chances are often hard to come by, PPP stands as a testament to the power of art to transform lives and build bridges between people from all walks of life. Through the simple act of molding clay, participants are shaping not just pottery, but a brighter, more inclusive future for themselves and their community.