Alonzo Allen Jr, born May 1953 in Miami, has known his entire life that he wanted to be an artist.  Like many contemporary artists of the fine art world, Alonzo began exploring what life would be like as an artist by doing drawings based on his deep love for comics, especially the cowboys and Indians of the Lone Ranger.  By the time he graduated high school, he had applied himself more and more seriously, taking up calligraphy, sculpture and embarking on his lifelong passion for architecture.  

 With a family well entrenched in the applied arts and crafts of building and mosaics, Alonzo turned first to architectural drafting and engineering and ultimately, ceramics.  He notes that the two arts are like cousins to one another, based as they both are on foundation, construction and planning.  With a deep love of geometry, organic process and patterns, Alonzo truly loves to see how forms take shape under his skilled hands.

 A skilled aerospace inspector, Alonzo spent many years at the nation's premiere aircraft company and the Kennedy Space Center.  But the West Coast called him.  In the 70's Alonzo undertook his first stint in California, finally returning for good in the mid-80's.  He has been living in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with his lovely wife and partner Zola ever since. 

 Alonzo's big "Aha" moment with ceramics occurred in 1986 and soon thereafter he not only studied but became himself a certified ceramics instructor.  He has continued his education and practice at the Allan Hancock College, where he is privileged to work with some very fine teachers and other like-minded spirits. 

 Alonzo has exhibited both as a solo artist and in group shows at Allan Hancock and participated in the San Luis Obispo Arts Tour with stellar results.  With deep family ties to the Cherokee and the South, including a beloved great grandfather who was born a slave, Alonzo is proud to explore themes of identity and a rich cultural heritage in his work.  Many admirers of his art are touched by his keen sense of history, a heartfelt connection to the Earth and the insistent hand of its maker whose presence is felt throughout Alonzo's entire oeuvre.