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It is clear that community based projects as well as the arts have the potential to transform lives. The mission of our outreach program is to provide ceramics classes to members of the community who would not have access to them otherwise (e.g., underserved youth, seniors, and the developmentally disabled).
Through extensive outreach programming, we are able to offer an array of classes both in house as well as at participating schools and community centers. All of our outreach classes are taught by trained ceramic artists and educators.
Benefits from Working with Clay:
- Expose students to ceramic skills and vocabulary
- Increase students’ self esteem
- Increase students’ dexterity
- Facilitate students’ creative means for self-expression
- Encourage creativity and collaboration
- Help students’ develop critical thinking skills
- Beautify the community with finished ceramic work
As written in The Boston Globe (September 2007) paper, in an article entitled "Art for Our Sake" by Ellen Winner and Lois Hetland…
"Our artists are artistic creators of the future and innovative leaders who improve the world they inherit… Those who have learned the lessons of the arts, however - how to see new patterns, how to learn from mistakes, and how to envision solutions - are the ones likely to come up with the novel answers needed most for the future."
We are passionate in promoting ceramics and while programming and funding for art classes in public schools diminish, we strive to fill that void by offering enriching experiences to elementary, middle and high school students.
Professional ceramic artists lead the classes and facilitate students’ problem solving with clay while helping them develop critical thinking skills. Students will also be exposed to ceramic skills and vocabulary. They will learn that working with clay requires patience, self discipline, and dedication. Lastly, their ability to create and the experiences they have with clay will open their minds, expand their horizons and enhance their self-esteem. | 
