Making Bowls with Port Chester Middle School Students

Port Chester Middle School students in the 7th grade Family and Consumer Science class had the opportunity to hand build their own bowls this spring. This class would normally allow students to use the kitchen and learn to cook but this year, the opportunity to inspire students to want to cook and create was expanded with the help of some clay. While students weren't able to cook and eat in the classroom, they were able to create the vessel that would carry the dishes they would then make at home. Students learned how to use coils, trimming tools and glazes. It was most exciting to hear that a majority of the students had some previous experience with clay; as they had previously participated in activities hosted by Clay Art Center such as the 2019 Youth Symposium. Some students plan on joining us during summer camp and hope to enroll in our school year Around the World in Clay classes for Port Chester students. This collaboration between Clay Art Center and Port Chester Middle School was made possible by the help of the FACS teacher, Ms. Silverman and staff from CAC.

"Having the Clay Art Center come to work with my students was an absolutely fantastic and refreshing experience for both me and my 7th grade students. This school year has been a challenge for everyone. We have done a lot of our work virtually and on screens. Having Zeltzyn Sanchez Gomez come in and give us such a great hands-on opportunity to learn and create was just what we all needed. The students really enjoyed learning how to work with clay. Many of them had never worked with it before. Zeltzyn and Dani were kind, respectful, helpful, and really had a pulse on the classroom at all times. I would welcome Clay Art Center and its staff back into my classroom anytime. I look forward to our continued partnership." - Allison Silverman