Grace Contreras, also known as Ms. Grace, is the new art teacher here at Sahauro. Although it’s her first year at Sahuaro, she has been working for TUSD for 9 years. She has a Master’s in Art Education and Coaching and has been teaching since 2011.

One of the elements her classes work on is ceramics. This is a tortilla warmer made by Kiwi Weatherbee and says it was inspired by, “…my Mexican heritage from my mom…And also I like making art and being able to give it to other people.”. Clay projects don’t just have to be for show, they can also be used in day-to-day life. Clay projects can also hold stories and show feelings.

Ceramics don’t have to be inspired by anything specific. Unlike some art forms that rely on clear themes, ceramics allows the artist to be more free-form. Artists can let their imagination run without being tied to a particular inspiration, resulting in pieces open to various interpretations. The clay acts as a blank canvas, letting artists craft timeless works. This Hello Kitty ornament was created by Aria Lujan.

Ceramics have a diverse set of tools to shape and refine their creations. There are hands-on tools – made with wood or metal – that help sculpt and smooth the clay, while wiring assists in cutting and separating the clay. Modeling tools, with various shapes and edges, are useful for intricate designs. After you’re done with the shaping of your artwork, you put it in a special oven called a kiln. Kilns are a crucial part of ceramics as they transform the clay into its final, durable state. Artists might even use day-to-day items for unique effects. For example, they can use certain fabrics to imprint patterns on the clay. The use of common objects shows the resourcefulness and imaginative spirit within the realm of ceramic art.

Art has various aspects of human expression, which allows art to come in many forms. Charcoal art stands as a distinct part of this diverse category of art. Charcoal demonstrates the profound impact that even the simplest tools can have on our visual senses. Creating pieces using charcoal involves a straightforward yet expressive process. Artists typically use a variety of tools to manipulate charcoal on paper. Charcoal sticks or pencils are crucial as they give the art piece bold lines and broad strokes. Blending tools, like stumps, assist in smudging and softening the edges, as well as giving more depth to the creation. However, the artist’s hands play the most crucial role, as they provide a connection to the medium and really control the pressure and movement of the charcoal.

On days when students aren’t feeling artistic or are having an off day, Ms. Grace allows them to research other forms of art. These examples of older art provide a gateway to explore the beauty of old art forms. The art of researching and engaging with these kits not only offers a valuable educational journey but also provides an outlet for self-expression. It allows students to connect with the artistic heritage of diverse communities.