Armadillo Ceramic Ashtray

These hand-thrown ashtrays vary slightly in size, shape, and color. We all love something one-of-a-kind, and this is it! Read on about this amazing local artist, who dedicates his time and talents to his community.

After graduating from Pomona College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1990, Mark Wong returned home to the foot of Pikes Peak where he has been making his one of a kind ceramics ever since. He specializes in all things round as his concentration has been focused on wheel thrown vessels. The decoration of said vessels has led to experimentation with a variety of treatments and temperature ranges.

Wong’s also worked with a wide variety of students – teaching children and adults through “Clayfest” and “Poetry and Pottery in the Park” summer sessions in Manitou Springs as well as pop up sessions with a portable kiln in tow. Through all these his emphasis has always been Socratic. A student on one end of the log and a teacher on the other- the roles often switch.

Wong’s life hasn’t all been clay – he has been a volunteer firefighter/EMT with the Manitou Springs Fire Department for 9 years, answering calls about 100 times a year, as well as skiing or fishing depending on the season. He can often be seen skateboarding up the hills in Manitou Springs towed by a couple of very enthusiastic mutts.