Bellcate students have embraced an amazing new way of expressing themselves artistically. Attendees of the EPIC Event on May 23 probably saw the original and inventive works of art created by Bellcate student-artists using kiln heated clay otherwise known as ceramics. Access to this ancient media was made possible by Bellcate’s sustained commitment to continually improving and expanding its arts offerings to best serve the needs of our students.

Working with ceramics uniquely engages the human brain, building and refining motor skills through tactile engagement. Students explore the properties of clay by learning to use the potter’s wheel, slab roller and by hand building with hand made coils and by cutting rudimentary shapes with tools. They learn the importance of safety and organization in a calm yet dynamic studio setting. Through instructor guided lessons, Bellcate student-artists learn the history and culture of pottery and ceramics, in both form and function. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of ceramics as ancient media as well as in the context of its contemporary artistic and commercial use. Students work with their hands to fabricate and glaze mugs, cups, bowls, platters and expressive sculptures. Having learned the basics, they can incept, design and create whatever their creative imagination comes up with!

Currently, EPIC Arts is developing courses to include harvesting and refining of clay bodies from local sources, primitive pit firing and raku style pottery. Planning further into the future, slip casting and mold making will demonstrate to students a more production based model for ceramics and pottery as a viable avenue to use their skills in art to gain business sense for the “real world”. We look forward to seeing you at the studio and out in nature this summer! Until then, contact me with any arts related questions or requests. Best Regards – Kanrad ([email protected])