Mary and Bill at the 2008 Ceramic Annual exhibition at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai.

About “The Villa”

It must have been destiny when artists Mary and William Barnhill first met—she owned a potter’s wheel and he had a kiln. Since 1995, they have worked in ceramics and hydro-stone casting as a hobby as well as professionally producing ceramic jewelry and environmental giftware. Their “Magical Planet” line featuring endangered species paw prints has been sold in zoos and nature catalogs across the country and used for fundraising by such organizations as “Martine Collette's Wildlife Way Station.”

When they outgrew the home and studio they shared in The Valley, they planned to move and decided that they wanted to “live on the fringes” of the city and find a place in a more rural setting. “We had no idea where that would be, and near Los Angeles no less!”, said Mary. So she looked at a map and circled little areas of streets “next to nowhere” and discovered the Santa Susanna Heights area near Rocky Peak. “And the rest is history”, says Bill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unlike other home-based art classes, “The Villa” offers much, much more. The studio is well-equipped, spacious and has a pleasant view of the front garden and the mountains. But the real difference is that it has an uncommon ambiance—an atmosphere of harmony and creativity. It’s a place to go to unwind and rejuvenate. “It’s a retreat from the chaotic world outside. Bill and I love seeing people’s faces after spending some time here, especially up in the Contemplation Garden. They just look so relaxed.”  “Yea,” teases Bill, “it must be all that good Feng Shui!”

Just a stone’s throw away from The Villa is the trailhead into Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. The Old Stagecoach Trail leads hikers all the way down into Chatsworth Park. The Barnhills highly recommend taking a hike after class on one of several scenic trails overlooking either the Simi or San Fernando Valleys. “It just makes for the perfect day!”

Over several years, they have developed their studio and the lovely grounds that surround it. According to Mary, “Ceramics and gardening go hand in hand. Each discipline relies heavily on art as well as science and both are very much of the earth.”

“We’re so fortunate to live here and have this great place to work in,” said Bill. “So, we thought, why not share this experience with others?” And with that, The Villa For The Arts was born. Having already taught gardening classes, teaching beginning pottery and sculpture seemed a natural transition for Mary.

Sunset colors the sky above the Santa Susana Mountains looking toward Rocky Peak.

A view of the Santa Susana Heights from one of several hiking trails into Santa Susana State Historic Park.