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.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.