Have you ever been hypnotized by a pillar of clay spinning on a pottery wheel and thought to yourself: “I bet I could make a nifty-looking vase; I should give that I try sometime.”
For students and families at Cyprus High School, the curiosity to create art is being satisfied with the help of a monthly Community Art Night.
The idea of an evening devoted to art began a few years ago with ceramics teacher Joe Van Leeuwen, who invited his advanced students to the school’s pottery room for an open-studio experience. The program has since snowballed to include painting, figure drawing, and chef demonstrations for the entire Cyprus community.
Between 80 and 120 people have been attending Art Night activities since the program was extended through a 21st Century grant and partnership with Salt Lake County Youth Services.
“It’s great to see my students working with family members and sharing what they are learning in art,” said Cyprus High art teacher Cynthia McKay.
Students play a big role in the program by helping guests as they try their hand at spinning clay, sculpting small figures, and painting still life scenes. In addition to technical art demonstrations, attendees also participate in simple projects like gifts cards, ornaments, and 3D valentines.
For more information about Cyprus High School’s Community Art Night, visit https://schools.graniteschools.org/cyprushigh/