Clay County Historical and Arts Council Brings Art to Life with Hayesville Elementary Students

HES Art Teacher Brooke Ballew, CCHAC Co-President Reba Beck & Pottery teacher Sienna Shute, (Photo from the CCHAC Facebook page.)

Harper Tate

389 Country

This week, Hayesville Elementary School’s 5th-grade art students experienced the joy of pottery through a special workshop led by the Clay County Historical and Arts Council and the John C. Campbell Folk School. Brooke Ballew’s art class partnered with Reba Beck, Co-President of the Historical and Arts Council, and Sienna Shute of the Folk School to create Monster Pinch Pots, combining traditional ceramic techniques with imaginative designs.

A monster created by a student. (Photo from the CCHAC Facebook page.)

The hands-on project allowed students to explore their creativity while learning the fundamentals of working with clay. The Monster Pinch Pots, shaped and decorated by the students, reflected the unique blend of craft and playfulness that defines this artistic endeavor.

The workshop was made possible by funding from a Grassroots Grant provided by the North Carolina Arts Council, which supports local arts programs. This collaboration highlights the importance of integrating art into education and fostering connections between schools and local cultural organizations.

By engaging students with traditional crafts in a fun and educational setting, the Clay County Historical and Arts Council and the John C. Campbell Folk School continue to promote creativity and preserve the region’s artistic heritage.