Every Tuesday after school in H218, the Ceramics room transforms into an area filled with creativity, learning, and a community that is filled with students who take part in the Open Clay Studio club. It’s available to all students, regardless of experience. Whether you are a dedicated sculptor or just curious about trying something new, the studio provides a relaxed, judgement-free zone to explore the possibilities of clay, the only limit is your creativity.
“I went to classes when I was younger at Washington Pavillion and since Jefferson offered it, I decided to try it since it’s free,” said Alissa Ault, a senior at Jefferson High School. “Right now I just finished a pufferfish. I’ve been making it the whole semester and I just put it in the kiln. I’d recommend this club especially if you want to find an outlet for overwhelming emotions.”
The studio provides assignments that can guide you to what you could potentially make. It’s stocked with tools, glazes, and plenty of clay. Jared Hulstine, one of the art teachers here at Jefferson, is always available to offer guidance. But what makes the space special is the quiet focus and experimentation with new techniques. Some students chat and others are focused on their projects.
This club makes it evident that it’s more than just an after-school activity; it’s a place to freely work hands-on and create projects that make you feel proud of what you’ve created. In a world filled with academic pressures, achieving good grades, deadlines and fast-paced movement, the Open Clay Studio offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s a reminder to embrace the serenity of making physical art, where the process matters just as much as the outcome. With no limits to what you may or may not create, students leave, not only with finished products, but also a sense of accomplishment.
