The Youthfulness of Summer

What does summer mean to the studio potter?

Kids! I've done two weeks of kids camps this summer and spent some extra times with three of my four nieces playing in the mud- and one nephew. With the kids out of school, it seems like everyone wants their babies to get their hands in the clay.  Which I think is such a treasure to have artistically supportive parents.

My first camp was held at my home. I deliberated about the location but decided upon my home due to the fact that all of my equipment is there, it is a central location and it would keep tuition more affordable. What an amazing week we had.  The girls were precious.  Our projects turned out beautiful. I had an awesome potter friend, Whitney Crouch assist me. And the students were all little blessings. One would just come stand by me to hang out and enjoy some company.  One kept us laughing the whole time with her random outbursts of ridiculous stories (I now know all about frankenweenie and how annoying little sisters are).  Some were perfectionists and some were there to play. Every time I'm around kids I'm reminded how precious they are.  They are so innocent, impressionable and surprising. From dancing solo in my living room to making me little clay rocks- these girls kept me guessing- and laughing.  And their excitement for art was just incredible to share in.

I'm now holding a week long camp at the Boys and Girls Club of Rome thanks to the generous support of the Rome Area Council for the Arts.  It is two hours each morning and we are doing hand building projects and surface decorations. These kids are truly blessings on me as well.  We have anywhere from 11-15 each day and I have an awesome lady with the club helping me- who is pretty good at pottery herself. And, the room I am in is huge! I have more table space than I need, AC, counter space, cubbies, drawers, a sink... you name it.  I almost feel like a real school teacher in this room!

I love sinks!

They always get silly during clean up time... :)

 These kids have impressed me so much.  They have fantastic manners and make me feel so welcome and respected.  They open doors, help me set up, clean up and carry in items. One little girl forgot to come to class the other day and she wandered in after everyone was gone and just helped me clean for 15 minutes.  Precious.

It's very fun to watch the personalities in the class. Some are dramatic. Some are snappy. Some listen to each and every word. Some just want to put muddy hands in their friend's hair.  It's so cute :).

One girl who is very well spoken and grown up for a 12 year old asked me if I liked teaching children.  Not sure if she mean children her age or children or younger, I asked for clarification. She responded and said, "Oh, I don't know.  You are just always so calm. It seems like you really like this."  To which I responded, I do, very very much.

It all makes you learn a lot about education.  Class and budget size are huge factors in determining class content. It makes me think back to my schooling days and see where we skimped by and where we had all we needed. We've definitely been blessed beyond belief in both of these camps and I can't imagine where these dozens of pots they have created will end up down the road. I'm honored thinking about the fact that these pieces can be the ones they look back on as their childhood ceramics creation. They will be treasured, laughed at and remain on parents shelves long after the kids are gone.

So, in the end, Summer, I love you. You make the year go round and round. You bring new spice to my life and a freeness rarely felt.

Love,
Lisa