Southpaw Ceramics to celebrate 32 years tomorrow

BY Dawn Rankins

Patty Crockett’s Southpaw Ceramics will celebrate 32 years in business in the Canyon Lake Town Center tomorrow.

When Patty was on the hunt to find a location for her shop of ceramics, she never thought to even look in Canyon Lake because she said she didn’t think she could afford the rent.

She was surprised to find an affordable Canyon Lake location. She moved her shop from Sun City where the management company, Amber Management, turned out to be the same management company for the Town Center location.

Patty signed her lease and the rest is history. She’s been serving the community of Canyon Lake as well as the surrounding communities ever since.

Patty said she loves her little shop and all of her customers.

“When customers comment and say this is therapy for them, they aren’t kidding,” Patty said. “I’m not only a shop owner, but a friend and confidant to those needing to escape their day to day routine and spend time painting and talking.”

Patty said she doesn’t hold back, and tells those seeking her advice what she thinks and how she would handle things. She said she has a real sense of care for her patrons.

Vicki Hamel cleans ceramic pieces during a shift at Southpaw Ceramics in the Canyon Lake Town Center. Vicki is a frequent client and sometimes-assistant at the shop.

Patty has worked throughout the years with Canyon Lake’s various clubs, including Canyon Lake Family Matters, the Canyon Lake Bassmasters Club, the Canyon Lake Tennis Club and the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club.

She said she’s more than willing to continue to help in any way she can any other Canyon Lake club that needs her support. For example, Patty has donated gift cards to the Canyon Lake Library for its reading program.

The shop offers painting parties by appointment as well as women’s group and Bible study group painting workshops. Southpaw Ceramics also does outside firing and sells supplies so customers can work at home or at their local senior centers, etc.

Patty takes pride in having something new on her shelves on a regular basis.

“If you don’t see something you like,” she said, “you can check out the catalog and more than likely, we’ll have the mold to make what you want.”

clients young and old surround a table creating artistic ceramics at Southpaw Ceramics recently. The shop will celebrate it’s 32-year anniversary in Canyon Lake tomorrow. Photo by Dawn Rankins

Patty teaches different techniques to her customers such as dry brushing, different glazing techniques, antiquing, and oil base acrylic painting.

Already finished ceramic pieces are also available for purchase. Pieces can be custom ordered and then painted by Patty or other artists.

Ann French, a customer visiting the shop, said Southpaw Ceramics is her therapy place.

“It‘s the cheapest therapy there is. I love this place,” Ann said. “It’s an old-fashioned ceramic shop and I come one to two days a week for my ‘therapy.’ I can come, relax, and joke with friends. One thing I’m always certain of is that Patty will make every visit fun and relaxing. I have the best friends in the world in Patty and co-painter Vicki Hamel.”

Vicki said Patty helps her find her freedom of expression.

“I’ve been visiting the shop since 1991 and I love being able to come and watch the shop for Patty when she needs time off,” Vicki said. “If I didn’t have this place, I’d be six foot under. I’ve suffered deep depression from surgeries and being laid up and without Patty and this shop, I wouldn’t be alive. This is my therapy.”

Willie McKennis consults with Southpaw Ceramics shop owner Patty Crockett regarding the shop’s products. Willie purchases supplies there for a senior center in Sun City. Photo by Dawn Rankins

Cathy Keeney of Temecula spent the day with her three grandchildren at Southpaw Ceramics and said this is a great place to come with kids.

“I love being here and watching my granddaughters create and express themselves,” she said. “They are all so artistic.”

Willie McKennis from Sun City said he likes to support local, small businesses. He makes his visits to the shop to pick up supplies for the Sun City Senior Center and its ceramics group.

SouthPaw Ceramics is located in the Canyon Lake Town Center by Domino’s Pizza. For questions or to book a painting party, simply call the shop at 951-244-1195.