"CARVED CODES, Clay Tiles" Student Exhibition at Black Rock Art Gallery

OPENING: Friday, April 16, 2026 // 5-7pm

BLACK ROCK ART GALLERY

inside Joshua Tree National Park's Black Rock Nature Center

9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd., Yucca Valley, CA 92284

SHOWING: April 16 - September 30, 2026

This exhibition, produced in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park, will feature 53 clay tiles by selected students out of 2,899 who participated, from 11 elementary schools, with support from 113 MUSD teachers, and 7 Groundwork Arts teaching artists.

In January, students had the opportunity to explore the art of local artist Thomas Alban, founder of the Pottery Shop in Pioneertown. Thomas creates wall sculptures made of carved clay tiles. Each one is built from repeated marks, abstract symbols, and rhythmic patterns that hold personal meaning.

Drawing inspiration from Thomas’s clay tiles, students explored simple symbols and marks to create their own 4" clay tile that reveals a meaningful message told through symbols instead of words. Select tiles were chosen for this exhibition and grouped by school.

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the connection between a working artist’s practice and student interpretation—presenting original works by Thomas Alban alongside student-created tiles inspired by his visual language. Together, the works reflect a shared exploration of symbols, pattern, and personal storytelling across generations.

---