Hands-on fun

Suzie Harrison

Smiles, laughter and enthusiasm in the classroom were the norm

during a recent field trip to the Sawdust Festival.

During the span of three days, 25 special education students from

Dana Hills High School participated in a free workshop at the

Festival. Classes are available, for students of any age, through the

education program headed by Sawdust Board Member John Barber.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids that may not have a chance with

art programs to make a pot or painting firsthand. They just have a

ball. You can tell by the look on their faces,” said Lucille

Robustelli, Dana Hills High teacher.

Sitting at the pottery wheel, the students learned with patience

how to make cups, plates and bowls with hands-on help. Students went

to the pottery wheel and each helped design their own piece.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday last week, about eight students

came to the Sawdust to experience the classes, as well as the

artistic ambience. Along with ceramics, the students participated in

a variety of art activities and watched art demonstrations including

painting and printmaking.

“The stimulus, atmosphere and experience at places like the

Sawdust Festival is great,” said David Schlesinger Dana Hills

assistant principal.

Pottery making was voted the most popular activity by the

students.

Mike Tittle who recently went through the Dana Hills program came

with the group and participated in the activities.

“It’s really pretty cool. It’s my first time here. I made a cup. I

like the Angels. So I made an Angels cup of my own design,” Tittle

said.

James Johnson a mainstream education student at Dana Hills has

been working with the students as an assistant. Covered with clay and

smiles, the students Johnson was there to help had no problem getting

dirty and into their art. He said he relishes working with the

students partly because he felt he’s never fit in with mainstream

students and could relate well with the kids he was helping.

Johnson said one of the things he appreciates about the students

is their patience and outlook on life. Trevor Larson was one of the

students who had a smile glued on his face through all the

activities.

“I learned ceramics, made pottery. I made a bowl. It was fun. I

like to hear the different music too,” Trevor said. Robustelli said

students can observe or be involved.

“The Sawdust set it up to make it easy and convenient for the

kids,” she said. The students weren’t the only ones benefiting from

the experience.

Josh Millican works at the Sawdust helping with ceramic classes.

“Another group came yesterday. It has felt good helping them. It’s

great helping everyone -- it’s such a good feeling,” he said. “I

learned that it’s important to get out and have fun and it’s about

not being treated differently.”

Nancy Nemath was an aid with the school and said the social aspect

of the Sawdust was great.

“I think it’s the best experience they’ve had this summer. It’s

very hands-on, very tactile. They love it, the ceramics. The more

instruction the better.”

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321.