Jean Taylor, the La Cañada Flintridge Community Center’s beloved ceramics instructor, celebrated her 90th birthday Friday with more than 80 of her friends — many of whom have been her students for decades.
Fifty years ago, Taylor kickstarted the ceramics program that has become the center’s anchor. A native of Britain, she still teaches part-time, often using Uber to get to the facility from her home. For her birthday, the staff and board of directors at the community center pitched in to get her a gift certificate to the ride-sharing service.
“She is absolutely inspirational,” said Maureen Siegel Sprowles, a student of Taylor’s and a member of the community center’s board. “She knows everything and she can do everything; she’s just a bright light.”
She drew nearly 80 people to two parties last week at the center, where there was homemade food and champagne on a purple tablecloth, set up to match one of her favorite colors for her ceramic pieces.
“They’re being very, very kind to me,” said Taylor, who turned 90 on Nov. 10. “Very generous and, of course, a lot of these people I’ve known for many, many years. This is my second home.”
Community Center Says Happy 90th Birthday to Ceramics Teacher
