Truckee High School’s ceramics students are about to get even more time at the wheel.
Thanks to $5,361.20 in funding from Excellence in Education, the school’s ceramics program received two new Brent CXC Power Wheels, helping meet growing student demand and expanding opportunities for young artists to develop their skills.
The grant was submitted by Truckee High School Art and Ceramics Teacher Callie Martin, who has watched the program grow dramatically over the past five years.
The new wheels have made an immediate difference in the classroom. Prior to receiving them, students would have to rotate through two-day wheel sessions before switching with another student. Adding the two new wheels now allows up to four additional students to use a wheel every day, reducing wait times and giving students more opportunities to work on their projects.
“The new pottery wheels have been an amazing addition to our ceramics studio! Four more students per class period are able to throw which has produced more skillful work. Students are learning how to throw cylinders, vases, plates, and bowls, and have progressed to chip n’ dip and bubble bowls! We are so grateful to Excellence in Education and their continued support of our Art & Ceramics Program at Truckee High School,” said Callie Martin.
Student enthusiasm played a direct role in the grant request. According to Martin, students who are passionate about working with clay, and especially throwing on the potter’s wheel, encouraged her to apply for funding for additional equipment.
“Ceramics is so much better with our new wheels! The new equipment from Excellence in Education got our class so excited about throwing every day! With the help of the new wheels, our class has more time to throw; it’s the best having these opportunities to get our hands dirty every day!” said Truckee High student, Violet Fillinger.
The grant also builds on previous investments in the program. Two years ago, Excellence in Education funded a new Cress kiln for Truckee High School, which Martin says expanded the scope of projects students could create. The addition of two more pottery wheels continues that momentum, giving students access to the tools they need to explore their creativity and grow their artistic skills.
We love supporting programs that respond directly to student interests and create meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning. We can’t wait to see what Truckee High’s talented ceramics students create next!
“The new wheels have opened up opportunities for returning students and new. I’ve been able to perfect my skills and make new pieces that I wouldn’t have been able to without the extra time on the wheels,” said Truckee High student, Kyla McCarthy Smith.