March 17, 2026

PICKING UP POTTERY AND POSSIBILITIES

At Gilroy Santa Maria College, the Arts celebrate creativity, individuality, and the joy of making. Our aim is simple: to transform “I am bad at art” into “I had fun making it.”

In Year 7 Art, students are embracing this mindset by stepping outside their comfort zones and exploring new creative possibilities. This term, they have been working with pottery, designing functional yet decorative pieces inspired by our beautiful coastline.

Drawing inspiration from ceramic artists Carlton Ball and Olivia Walker, students have developed skills in coil and slab construction while learning how to bring their ideas to life. Working both collaboratively and independently, they have explored organic forms from the ocean, resulting in imaginative creations ranging from checkerboards inspired by sand dollars and brain coral to water jugs shaped with flowing mermaid tails.

Through experimentation and teamwork, our Year 7 artists are discovering that art is as much about the creative journey as it is about the final piece.

And, they are having a ball!

Article contributor, Georgia Dametto, GSMC Art Teacher

Caption: Year 7 Ceramics, shaping and creating pottery with clay. Photos supplied