I went on a field trip to Scripps College, Claremont to see their amazing collection of post-war American ceramics. With me were Eric Huff and Tom McMillin (yes the ceramicist)! Kirk Delman, the Collections Manager and Interim Director at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery at Scripps College gave us the tour.
Tom (left) is a legend in California ceramics and added so much to the experience. Not only did he know many of the artist in the collection, his technical knowledge of glazes and ceramics was a great insight to have. Kirk has been at Scripps for 37 years so he knows the collection better than anyone else. He also knew many of the artists personally and shared some great stories about them. This was a major craft geek experience for me and Eric.
Now in its 77th year, the Scripps College Ceramic Annual has been an important part of modern ceramics, particularly in California. 
And here it is when exhibited in 2019.
This is an early piece by Jun Kaneko in the foreground. I thought it was Takemoto at first.
Sculpture "Flag", 1960 by Takemoto, which can been seen poking out of the crate.
A few more Kanekos. Fred Marer and Jun were close friends...
Jun Kaneko with Mary Marer and then with Fred
In 1963 Kaneko arrives in Los Angeles, California, to study painting. He meets Fred and Mary Marer on his first day and stays at their house at 537 North Kenmore Avenue for the remainder of the summer and then for another three months while they are traveling in Europe. Kaneko reorganizes and builds shelves for their extensive ceramics collection. This is his first encounter with contemporary ceramic work, particularly by Californian artists such as Voulkos, Mason, Takemoto, Price, Bengston, Frimkes, Melchart, and Rothman. In his practical undertaking, he becomes excited about, and interested in, working with clay. Fred and Mary Marer, on their return to Los Angeles, continue to invite Kaneko to spend time with them at their home and at their friends’ studios. They also visit museums and go to see movies two or three times a week. Their friendship proceeds like this until 1972, when he moves to New Hampshire to teach.
Later in 1963, Kaneko works with clay for the first time at Scripps College. He is there for a week with Paul Soldner.
Source: Ree and Jun Kaneko Foundation
Platter (with portrait of the artist), 1974 by Jun Kaneko
More Kaneko
Takemoto all wrapped up
On display in 2019
First Kumu, 1959 by Henry Takemoto
I remember this one from the 2014 Best Kept Secret: The Scripps College Ceramic Collection exhibition at AMOCA.
A very early Voulkos, I believe from 1950.
Vase, 1975 by Peter Voulkos
Bullfight, 1957 by Voukos
Kirk told us a story about Millard Sheets complaining to Voulkos about Picasso only painting his plates and not actually making the ceramic portion. This is when they were both teaching at Otis. Voulkos didn't agree with Millard's criticism so he plastered the walls with Picasso posters.
More Voulkos
Eric with Picasso's Eye, 1958 by Voulkos.
Moontan (plate), 1957 by Billy Al Bengston
On the wall in 2019
Where's Cornelius?
Covered Jar, 1971 by Philip G. Cornelius
Magdalena Suarez Frimkess.
They also have quite a few by Michael Frimkess as well.
Jumpin' at the Moon Lodge, 1968 by Michael Frimkess
Perfume Bottle (Bottle with Stopper), 1960 by Ron Nagle
On display in 2019
F. M. Case, 1981 by Marilyn Levine, another Voulkos student.
How much do you want to bet the F.M. stands for Fred Marer?
It's Claremont, of course they have Harrison McIntosh.
It was good to see a few Joel Edwards pots in the collection. Although he was a Voulkos student, these were a recent acquisition and not part of Marer's collection.
Although most of the collection is by California artists, there are a number of Japanese, British and even a a Ohioan, Claude Conover. See it?
The Karen Karnes drawer.
On display in 2019.
I don't know who this is by, but it might be the biggest vessel I've seen in person.
This was a long post, but it didn't even scratch the surface.
Learn more about the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery at Scripps College