Written by: Cody Chen, FCSN Voices Youth Reporter
Graphics by: Christina Gu, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

On a hot Saturday afternoon, a classroom at the FCSN South Bay Center buzzed with energy, excitement, and creativity. Inside, 11 pairs of student-volunteers worked away at the finishing touches to their clay projects from the last three weeks: a starry night scene, a fish plate, and a flower or owl vase. Long tables were scattered with brushes, palettes, and an array of colorful paints. Students and volunteers, ranging from all ages, were all deeply engrossed in the movement of the brushes and the mixing of colors as they made their clay works truly unique and representative of themselves. These 11 pairs of student-volunteers, despite coming from their own different backgrounds, were brought together by art.

Organized by Ruyee Teen Connect, a nonprofit arm of the Ruyee Chinese School, the Summer Clay Class occurred over four hands-on learning sessions on Saturday afternoons in June. Throughout the year, Ruyee Teen Connect also hosts various other art classes at FCSN South Bay Center, organized and taught by students and adults of the Chinese school. For instance, past events included balloon twisting and origami. One student volunteer, David Zhang, fondly recalls his experiences teaching an origami frog class. David remarks, “I’m proud of what I did. I’m glad I had the opportunity to teach.” 

Over the course of June, the students of the Summer Clay Class shaped, painted, and glazed their clay projects, preparing them to be fired up in a kiln. Now, the completed art pieces are making their way to FCSN’s 2024 Art Exhibit on August 23 at the FCSN Osgood Center, an “Expression” themed event also marking the grand opening of the Osgood Center.

Ms. Helen, a teacher of the class, highlights the importance of working with clay for FCSN students. She believes that working with clay helps students practice their fine motor skills while providing a therapeutic and expressive outlet. In the Summer Clay Class, art also served as a language of sorts, allowing students and volunteers to communicate and collaborate in ways that words could not. Each brushstroke and clay mold was a reflection of the student’s unique vision and personality, making the classroom a vibrant tapestry of creativity and individuality. 

Yet, organizing the class didn’t come without its challenges. Initially, the instructors faced difficulties in understanding how to effectively work with the students. Many of the volunteers too, had trouble communicating with the students, leading to frustration and misunderstandings. Eventually, by consulting a psychology teacher, the instructors, together with the volunteers, were able to overcome this challenge. They learned effective communication strategies and ways to make the environment more accommodating to the students, such as by playing calming music in the background. 

Ms. Wanju Cheng, the FCSN event organizer for the Summer Clay Class, envisions a cohesive theme for all FCSN art classes, aiming towards a concept she calls 行走的画布, or “walking canvas.” She hopes that in the next FCSN Family Day, art students can showcase their creations, such as painted t-shirts, alongside other performances like singing and dancing. This platform allows each student to display their unique identities and personalities.

For the upcoming year, Ruyee Teen Connect plans to continue hosting volunteer-taught art classes at the FCSN South Bay Center. This summer, the Clay Class they organized not only taught fundamental clay techniques, but it also fostered creativity and social interaction among the students. Through the collaborative efforts of teachers, volunteers, and organizers, the class stands as a testament to the power of art in transcending barriers and bringing people together to build skills and celebrate individuality.