In 2022, Paola Rodriguez became the first recipient of the Philipson Foundation's Creative Grant. Rodriguez, a talented fine-art ceramics artist based in Honolulu, Hawaii, creates functional and sculptural work showcasing clay's organic nature through her patterns, surface decoration, and manipulation. Her remarkable Octopus Sculpture Series, of which the first iteration now resides in the Foundation's archives, is a testament to her passion for the material and its artistic possibilities.
Since receiving the Philipson Foundation's creative grant, Paola Rodriguez has opened her own ceramics studio in downtown Honolulu called Mudd Studio. This 1500 sqft light-filled space offers an inspiring environment for artists to create and collaborate.
Mudd Studio provides a variety of glazes and offers affordable weekly firings to its members. Paola also teaches wheel-throwing and hand-building workshops.