Climate Conscious Initiatives Pt. 1 ||SF POTTERY STUDIO CHRONICLES||

A response from stewards of Artillery AG + Ceramics, Ivan Lopez and Kelly Elizabeth:

The Mission District is a cultural hub, bringing people together to celebrate art, dance, food, and community. It can also serve as a launchpad for initiatives that drive climate resilience.

We opened the year with conversations around moving towards a more "sustainable model" within our pottery studio and community creative space.

What is our role in the pottery industry and how could we support our Earth and community at the same time?

That is when CLIMATE CONSCIOUS decisions came into our conversation.

These LA fires followed by a small 3.5 earthquake in San Francisco was what shook us enough to present the following Project Initiatives in our Mission District community in San Francisco.

We are reaching out to leaders who are eager to create the strongest network of climate-conscious allies in 2025, focusing on collaborative action, communication, and community care.

Climate disasters present an opportunity to unite in care and action—but why wait for a disaster to unite?

Let’s start building together, now, and drive the change we need to see.

At this time, we’re seeking like-minded allies to take proactive steps in developing solutions that will not only prepare us for climate challenges, but also help us reimagine and reshape our daily lives to create the cultural shifts necessary for sustainability and collective care.

We are calling for folks to take actions in one of the following projects with us :

Project 1: Mission Mugs : Combating Single-Use Plastic in Local Cafés through Pottery

Promoting the use of reusable mugs and to-go ware to reduce single-use plastics in our local cafés by engaging the community in ceramic mug making.

Project Mission Mugs aims to tackle the growing issue of single-use plastics by involving local cafés and community members in the creation of handmade, reusable ceramic mugs. By making the use of reusable containers the norm, we can shift habits and reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics in our community.

We are so grateful for our first community activation with our partners Abanico Coffee Roasters, Mission Loteria and SF Environment.

In community, we will create our first collection Friday, February 7 through Sunday , February 9th. There will be Loteria Game night, night drinks by Abanico and art vendors in honor of Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 7th 5pm. Come learn more or participate. Sign-Up Here to Join our Community Event.

Mission Mugs honoring the 4 Elements : Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Illustration by EMISARIO DEL SUR

Project 2: Shelter Cob and Natural Building with Clay

Building sustainable shelters with natural materials like cob to create safe, eco-friendly housing solutions in times of crisis.

This project focuses on learning about clay then using locally sourced, natural materials such as clay, straw, and sand to create structures that are both environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate impacts. This is when our skill in pottery can support folks in need of housing solutions.

Our first intro Intro to Natural Building with Cob Workshop is March 1st, 2025 at 11am at Artillery AG Medicinal Garden.  Book here.

We will be announcing our other community projects in the upcoming months.

Community Led Infrastructures for Project Sustainability

Project 3 : Financial Models for Funding

Developing sustainable funding models to finance climate-conscious projects, building financial sustainability for community-driven initiatives.

This project focuses on creating innovative, accessible financial models to support climate action initiatives through grassroots fundraising, ensuring long-term financial independence for climate-conscious projects.

Project 4 : Community Building: From Communication to Action

Transforming communication into organized action by strengthening connections and creating a network of local climate advocates.

This initiative seeks to improve the way we communicate and collaborate within our communities, turning ideas into practical solutions that drive meaningful, collective action.

How Can You Get Involved?

If any of these projects resonate with you, we invite you to join us in shaping a future where climate consciousness is at the heart of our daily lives. Together, we can build the skills, networks, and solutions that will make us stronger in the face of climate challenges. We must meet our neighbors now and start to work together.

Reach out to us now to become part of the movement email ceramics@artillery-ag.com with which project you are interested in supporting or join us at an upcoming event linked above.

Let’s meet our neighbors today and start to work together for tomorrow.

We can’t wait to create this change together in the Pottery Industry for all our Future Generations.

In community & service,

La Familia Lopez-Ortega

Ivan Lopez, Kelly Elizabeth Ortega & A’mate Aki