FAQ
Q: What is Umu?
A: Artist-run Umu Studios, located in Pasadena, California, is the creative home for six professional artists who rent individual workspaces and share common areas, equipment, knowledge, and rich conversations. Studio members find that working within a creative community offers intangible benefits for their art practices. Umu features regular open studio sales and other special projects with invited artists and welcomes interaction with the larger Southern California area creative community.
Q: What does the word “Umu” mean and why did you choose it?
A: Umu is a Maori term that describes a traditional earth oven. The ceramics reference was great, but the look of the letterforms, simplicity of the word, and harmonious sound when paired with the word “studios” also made it an appealing choice.
Q: How do I contact Umu?
A: Contact one of the individual artists:
Q: Is there any space available to rent at Umu?
A: Currently there is no space available, but if you are interested, we’d like to know. Contact one of us to stop by for a visit, and leave us your contact info.
Q: What are your hours/when are you open?
A: Outside of sales and public events, we are open by appointment. Feel free to contact one of the artists to arrange a visit.
Q: When can I buy work from Umu artists?
A: Any time, by appointment. Contact individual artists and they will be happy to have you stop by to look at work and answer questions.
Q: Do you offer classes?
A: No, Umu is a working artists’ studio with no classes.
Q: What’s the deal with the mini shelf shows?
A: Finding ourselves with a few extra inches of space in the entryway, and inspired by Doyle Lane's stunner show at David Kordansky Gallery a few years ago, we installed some steel shelves and decided to have regular exhibitions. Participants include Umu members, guest sale participants, and invited artists. The mini-shows are both limited and inspired by the small shelf dimensions. Work that is shown is typically for sale.
Past Events UMU Studios
