By Billy Hersey, ’27

Staff Writer

When I was choosing my classes for freshman year, 3D Art/Ceramics wasn’t even on my mind. But it has grown to be one of my favorite periods of the day and I can’t imagine this school year without it. Each time the class meets, it has been a great time to relax and make art.

Initially, I was more interested in Accounting, because it seemed like a necessary life skill, and Chorus, because I have always loved to sing. I had spent many of my Monday afternoons at the HMS Art Club working with oil pastels, but hadn’t spent much time with 3D Art. But when I found that the other course options didn’t work with my schedule, I decided to give Ceramics a try.

Mrs. Curley’s welcoming and warm disposition, and the handful of friends with me in the class, made the decision easy. Mrs. Curley is an amazing teacher; she puts together creative and fun projects for students in her 3D Art/Ceramics classes. She’s shown me that anything can be art, including the many everyday objects around her classroom which — with a little ambition and effort — can become beautiful home decorations. Mrs. Curley is kind and helpful to all of her students. There are so many students constantly needing her attention, and somehow she is patient and gives each individual the support they need. Mrs. Curley strives to create a place where people can feel comfortable, socialize with friends and feel completely stress- and anxiety-free. The aura in her classroom makes students like me want to be there.

Working with clay seems to me like something everyone should try at some time in their lives. There are so many things you can do with clay, from throwing bowls or vases with a potter’s wheel to hand-shaping pinch pots, coil pots, sculptures and more. Mrs. Curley’s class provides me with an essential brain break in the day. Other classes can be stressful and homework can pile up, but in this class, students can take a minute to slow down and breathe. Even people who don’t see themselves as “good at art” can still have fun and hang out with friends.

My school day would be a lot more stressful without this class, and the class would not be the same without this caring and supportive teacher. I plan to continue with the next level of 3D Art/Ceramics as a sophomore. When it’s time to register for classes for next year, I would highly recommend adding a 3D Art course to your schedule.