23 members turn pottery skills into gallery shows
Step Ahead Ashburton is using a new clay program to boost confidence, with work currently on display in Christchurch and more planned for December.
By Katherine Diallo ·
Jen Dearborn, the senior activities co-ordinator for Step Ahead Ashburton, says watching members gain confidence through art is the best part of her job. The organization is using creative projects, specifically pottery, to help people living with chronic mental health conditions build social connections and practical skills.
Dearborn discovered her own talent in painting about 17 years ago after taking courses with Karen Smith and Susie Millichamp. Recently, she expanded her interests to pottery and introduced the medium to the group at the Ashburton Domain pavilion on Walnut Ave. She notes that clay is a hands-on material used for thousands of years, offering a relaxing experience for participants.
The pottery program started with simple items like cups and small dishes. As members improved their technique and confidence, they moved on to more complex pieces. Dearborn offers occasional tips, but she emphasizes that the work is primarily the members' own creation.
This week, selected pieces from the program are featured in the Step Ahead Annual Art Exhibition at The Palms in Christchurch. The exhibition runs through Sunday. Next month, the group will return as guest artists for the Ashburton Society of Arts Christmas Show at the Short Street Gallery.
Step Ahead has operated in Ashburton since 2002 and currently lists 23 members. The not-for-profit group meets three days a week to provide community-based services designed to encourage social contact and new experiences.
Member Janete, who has attended for more than 20 years, values the opportunity to talk with people of different ages. Phlyn, a member for nearly two years, describes the environment as judgment-free. He says the group feels more like a family than a standard support group.
Kirstin, another member, appreciates the professional look of the finished ceramics. She also enjoys the uncertainty of the glazing process, noting that it is a mystery how the color will turn out when the pieces return from the kiln.
Source: The Star
