Published September 29, 2026
BY ELINOR KONING
Led by junior Isa Patch, the new Pottery Club has been working to make pottery more accessible to beginners and to show newcomers and advanced artists techniques.
“I want people to find new passions and develop the same love I have for pottery,” says Patch.
The idea of starting the club came from adviser Steven Russell, the art teacher at Carmel High School. Patch, who had been interested in pottery since her freshman year, was an ideal candidate for club president and ended up getting the position. Her twin sister, Maya, who shares her love of pottery, took the spot of vice president.
In the future, the Pottery Club plans to host after-school pottery workshops and possibly sell some of their best pieces at a show in April. Isa notes the club will mostly make sculptures and pinchpots during their time together.
Members such as junior Jeraldin Guillen Perez have also expressed interest in making bowls and mugs.
“I joined the Pottery Club because it seemed like a club that was fun and where you could express your feelings by painting bowls,” Guillen Perez says.
Pottery Club president Isa Patch has dedicated herself to sharing her love for pottery. photo by ELINOR KONING
Pottery Club is taking a lot of inspiration from Russell’s Handbuilding class, as many of their projects are similar to the pottery created in the class.
“Most of our members of the Pottery Club are also in Handbuilding,” Russell says.
Isa has also mentioned that many members are just beginning to learn how to make pottery, though a few are experienced. This led her to take up the responsibility of teaching them methods of making their own pottery.
The process includes sculpting, firing and glazing. A single piece can take weeks from start to finish, as it has to be fired in a kiln, an insulated oven used to bake the clay, once before glazing and once after.
The Pottery Club meets Wednesdays at lunch and has become a space for creatives to define their style, learn the process of pottery making and have a good time.
The club is seeking members and welcomes everyone, regardless of skill level.
