Joey Sammut

Ceramic Artist | Orange County, California
joeysammutstudio@gmail.com | Instagram: @joeyjsammut

Education

Associate Degree in Ceramics, Saddleback College – Mission Viejo, CA
Studied under Richard White (2010–2013)

Selected Exhibitions & Installations

The Spirit of Omoide Yokocho – Gallery of Hermosa, Hermosa Beach, CA (2025)
Cuerda seca tile artwork “Mr. Sparkle” selected for group exhibition

Intersections: Mathews Street Park Fountain – Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, CA (2023)
Public art installation in collaboration with artist Mike Saijo
Created cuerda seca tiles depicting local cultural landmarks, including Otomisan Restaurant

Meditation Stations & Mysteries of the Rosary – Diocese of Orange, House of Prayer for Priests (2022)
Collaborated with Marlo Bartels and Bradford Smith on a large-scale tile installation

Collaborations & Projects

  • Assistant to Marlo Bartels, Laguna Beach, CA (2019–2023)
    Worked on several public and private mosaic and tile commissions throughout California

  • Brea Blackstone Development Project (3.5-year collaboration)
    Assisted with large-scale architectural ceramic installations

Professional Experience

Security & Guest Experience
Laguna Art Museum – Laguna Beach, CA
Gained early exposure to California art and artists. First sold handmade ceramics through the museum gift shop.
Assisted with installation and basic conservation work, including handling artwork by Wayne Thiebaud and helping Lita Albuquerque with installation setup.
Also served as Social Media Coordinator, creating and managing digital content to engage museum visitors and promote exhibitions.

Security Manager & Social Media Coordinator
Surfing Heritage & Culture Center / Surfing Heritage Foundation – San Clemente, CA
Managed security and exhibition logistics, including the Endless Summer 50th Anniversary exhibition.
Performed conservation support and art handling.
Founded and managed the organization’s first social media accounts, creating a digital presence that continues to grow and engage the global surf community.

Gallery Support & Art Handling
Peter Blake Gallery – Laguna Beach, CA
Worked on exhibition installation, art handling, and client interaction. Supported gallery operations for contemporary artists and high-profile collectors.

Press & Recognition

  • City of Los Angeles (2024) – Publicly recognized for tile fabrication in Intersections public art installation at Brooklyn Heights Park

  • Recipient – Art League of Casta del Sol Endowed Scholarship, Saddleback College (2015)

  • Recipient – Potters and Sculptors Club Scholarship, Saddleback College (2015)

  • Recipient – Richard White Endowed Ceramic Scholarship, Saddleback College (2015)

  • LA Times (2016) – Recognized for heroic rescue during Laguna Beach house fire
    Read Article

  • LA Times (2019) – Featured for discovery of antique Winchester rifle in Laguna Beach hills

Collections

  • Work held in private collections across Southern California

  • Included in the personal collections of Lita Albuquerque, David Ligare, Richard Shaw, James Bergener, and Greg Escalante

  • Personal works featured in gallery exhibitions and public art installations