Lot 1701: "A Walk in Time" Ceramic Tile – RTK Studios, Ojai, California (1999)

Auction

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Lot Number

1701

Status

Sold

Hammer / Price

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Opening Bid

$5.00

Accepted Bids

20

Closed

11/30/25 7:03 PM PT

Description

This decorative ceramic tile, titled “A Walk in Time,” was designed and produced by RTK Studios of Ojai, California, for the Avalon Waterfront Urban Design and Restoration Project on Catalina Island. The piece was created using the historic “cuerda seca” tilemaking technique, originally employed by the Catalina Clay Products Co. between 1927 and 1937. The project honored Catalina’s tilemaking legacy, which began when William Wrigley Jr. discovered the island’s adobe clay and initiated tile production. The original designs—many by long-time island artist Roger “Bud” Upton—were stenciled, glazed, and fired in the traditional cuerda seca style. In this restoration effort, artists Marlo Bartels of Laguna Beach and Robin Cassidy of El Cajon also contributed additional tiles. The Avalon project received the 1999 ASLA National Medallion Award for design excellence. Dimensions: H: 8" × W: 8". Condition: Good.