Spotlight Series: John Metcalf

I'm the owner of the ceramics studio, Throw Clay LA, which opened in January of 2020. We have grown in size to now occupy our entire 7500 square foot building on the corner of Olympic and Olive. I manage a team of about ten instructors and technicians who work to support the members and students that make up our clay community. I picked up ceramics as a hobby in 2012. After a 20 year career in the film and tv industry, I decided to switch gears and open Throw Clay LA.

Los Angeles has many diverse neighborhoods, and you’ve chosen to invest here. Why The Social District?

I chose to open a studio here because there's a dense population in an area that wasn't yet served by a ceramics studio. With a good number of residential buildings, restaurants, bars, and gyms already in the neighborhood, opening a business that gives South Park residents a local place to partake in a creative activity made sense to me. Now that we're called the Social District, it makes even more sense that Throw Clay LA is here.

When you’re not working, what do you love to do in The Social District?

I'll grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant and sit in one of the parks during the lunch hour. I've started bringing our dog to the vet Modern Animal across the street. We'll come down to the Farmer's Market some weekends. Sometimes I'll even sit down and make something on the potter's wheel after the workday is done. I'm making a point to do this more frequently in 2025.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of The Social District in the next 5-10 years? What are your hopes and aspirations for the community?

I hope that Throw Clay LA is still a thriving creative hub in this neighborhood in ten years time. I'd love to see this diverse neighborhood attract an even broader range of people. More housing is being built here. I would love it if buildings like the skyscraper that is nearing completion out our back door turn out to make it easier instead of more challenging for individuals and families with incomes below the current average for this area to move in and become a part of it.

How are you a part of shaping the future of The Social District?

By continuing to grow our membership, while keeping focused on maintaining our down to earth, calm, and creative vibe.

The Social District hosts a lot of events, from awards shows to sporting events to concerts. What’s an event you’d want front row seats to attend and where in The Social District would you go before or after the big event?

Concerts at the Mayan, Belasco, or Crypto Arena. I'd take tickets to see LeBron's last game whenever that may come. I've been fortunate enough to go to the Grammy Awards ten times since 2012 and I'd love to keep that up! We always go to one of the restaurants near LA Live during a break in the show.