Gena Wikstrom and Susan Eastman
For the third consecutive year, art students from Desert Edge High School were warmly welcomed by the Ceramics Club of PebbleCreek for an immersive, hands-on educational field trip held in January. Twenty students, carefully selected by the director of the high school’s Ceramic Department, spent a full day learning, creating, and connecting in the ceramics studio at the Creative Arts Center. The experience resonated deeply—not only with the students, but also with Ceramics Club members and the greater PebbleCreek community.
During the visit, students actively engaged in a ceramic technique incorporating wax resist on a bisque plate. Under the guidance of Certified Ceramics Instructor Kelli Frederickson, students learned how to confidently use materials and tools, then were given complete creative freedom to design their own pieces. This intentional balance empowered students to take risks, trust their instincts, and express their individuality through art. Each finished plate reflected not just a new skill, but a personal story.
In a meaningful act of collaboration, members of the PebbleCreek Pottery Club hand-formed and fired the clay plates used by the students. To further encourage and uplift them, club members also created small gift plates for each student, inscribed with the message “You Matter.” These heartfelt keepsakes reinforced the belief that the students’ creativity is valued and worth nurturing long after the field trip ends. We extend sincere thanks to our fellow club members, whose generosity and shared studio space make this experience possible.
Each year, woodworkers also enter the ceramics studio to share the stages of woodworking creation. Watching skilled artisans transform raw wood into finished pieces captivates students and deepens their appreciation for craftsmanship, patience, and the creative process across artistic disciplines.
This partnership began in 2024 when the Ceramics Club of PebbleCreek committed to a collaboration with Desert Edge High School to expand student access to the art of ceramics. We are proud to continue this partnership and honored to welcome students back to our studio year after year. Our ongoing work with Ryan Williams and the Art Department of Desert Edge has proven deeply rewarding for all involved. Beyond learning new techniques, the field trip allows students to experience the PebbleCreek community itself—an environment many describe as “beautiful” and “so pretty,” often expressing a heartfelt desire to “live here now.”
We are sincerely grateful to the PebbleCreek Homeowners Association for recognizing the value of this partnership and for supporting the field trip. Their support transforms a simple visit into a powerful, lasting memory for students.
Many of the participating students come from low-income households, and this collaboration opens doors to artistic and cultural experiences they might not otherwise encounter. The day fosters emotional connection, cultural awareness, and educational growth through hands-on artmaking. According to the program director, students who participate consistently demonstrate increased engagement in ceramics and show noticeable improvement in their overall academic performance.
We strongly believe that students who engage in the arts gain confidence, focus, and resilience—qualities that support them throughout high school and into adulthood. Exposure to ceramic art sparks creativity, builds self-worth, and invites students into a lifelong relationship with making, learning, and self-expression through this annual event.