Pond Farm

Pond Farm is an art colony featuring two residences and a barn converted into a pottery studio situated within Austin Creek State Recreation Area. The compound includes workspace, teaching areas, and grounds that once supported a thriving community of ceramic artists and visiting students.

Gordon and Jane Herr founded Pond Farm in 1939 as a refuge for European artists fleeing World War II. The property became a center for artistic community and craft innovation during the mid-20th century.

Marguerite Wildenhain, the first female Master Potter trained at Bauhaus, taught ceramics here through summer programs that drew artists worldwide. The craft traditions she shared shaped how visitors and students understood pottery as both art and practical skill.

The site is managed by California State Parks and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and earned National Historic Landmark designation in 2023. Visitors should be prepared for outdoor conditions and may find limited facilities as this is an active conservation and educational property.

A large pond on the property gave the farm its name and shaped how founders selected this location for their artistic refuge. The water feature became integral to the design and daily experience of the ceramic community that developed here.

Location: Sonoma County

Founders: Frans Wildenhain, Marguerite Wildenhain

GPS coordinates: 38.55220,-123.00000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:03