“In a postmodern world, it is difficult for students to pinpoint their cultural identity,” ceramics teacher Kristen Morgan believes, inspiring her teaching method.
Through her ceramics courses, offered in the Cultural Arts department, Morgan hopes to allow students a method to realize and express their individual identities.
“Ceramics is good [because] you can use your pieces to reflect and express your moods,” sophomore Justin Wang said.
Her students, as well as Morgan herself, sold works in a fundraiser March 22 to support the Chapel Hill High School ceramics program through a showcase at Johnny’s Gone Fishing, a coffee shop located at 901 West Main Street in Carrboro.
The show featured ceramic works, such as mugs, vases and sculptures, and other pieces, including student-painted skateboards.
Senior Calvin Herrera made six pieces featured in the show—two teacups and four mugs—and sold three of them.
“I think everyone [involved] in the fundraiser was happy to support the ceramics program because it goes back to us to get supplies and make more stuff,” Herrera said.
Senior Susana Nuñez also created work for the fundraiser. She enjoyed family and community members being able to see the work she and her classmates produced.
“I had a friend come and support me, and it was really cool to have my family show up,” she said.
Wang had one piece in the show: a slip-cast cup. He attended the fundraiser to see finished pieces his classmates created.
“I really enjoyed seeing other people’s work, knowing how much hard work they put into it,” he said. “I see them every day in the studio working, so it was really cool to see what they had made.”
Ceramics students have hosted similar fundraisers in the past, many to raise money for local charities and organizations.
Wang noted the importance of support for the ceramics program, as the funds raised at the event will go towards students gaining skills with materials beyond clay.
“All the money from the show is going to go to new art materials,” he said. “We get some funding, but not enough for spray paint [or other] different mediums.”
Prices—which students were allowed to determine—varied for all the pieces shown.
