How does a lump of clay become art? This semester, Spartans taught by Lower/Middle School Visual Arts Teacher Abby Klein and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher Kristin Snellings are finding out firsthand. Our young artists are discovering the joys (and challenges!) of using a pottery wheel. 

Recently, a classroom guest shared her expertise with the students, guiding them through the finer points of “throwing” clay (forming clay into shapes on a potter’s wheel). Rhona Arenstein (grandmother of Margot Levy ’38) spent time in class with a group of Middle and Upper School students who were eager to learn her techniques and hear her story. Ms. Arenstein, who has been a potter since college, practices her craft at Richmond’s Visual Arts Center. 

Ms. Snellings said, “A few weeks before her class visit, Rhona came to Steward to help Abby and me refresh our skills. Rhona sat at one wheel while Abby and I sat at our own, following along with her steps. We appreciated her gentle, intuitive approach, with a lot of attention to detail and craft. We knew that our students would love spending time with her.” 

Using a potter’s wheel involves wedging clay, centering it on the wheel, opening the center, and shaping the form. Just as important: It also requires patience and determination. Mrs. Arenstein began by telling the students that her pottery skills took quite some time to develop. She emphasized the importance of centering the clay on the wheel before turning it into a vessel and added, “Have an open-minded approach to what you will actually create!” 

Lilly Thoman ’26 said the most challenging thing about throwing on a wheel was learning to be patient.

“I found myself wanting to use all my force to shape the pottery, but when I realized I needed to slow down and let the wheel do the work, I achieved a more refined result,” she said. “I learned that patience — and not just strength — is an important part of the process.” After gaining some confidence in her pottery skills, Lilly created a cereal bowl and used a tool to cut wavy lines on its outside surface. “Making art makes me feel like I am in my own world,” she said. “It helps me forget about any other stress that is happening in my day and lets me have fun.” 

Guest artists, noted Ms. Snellings, “add a new viewpoint to students’ conception of art and art-making. It’s enriching for students to hear a variety of creative voices and be exposed to different approaches to artistic forms. It is also heartwarming to welcome family members who want to spend time with Spartans on campus.” 

Ms. Klein said, “Students were excited, and some were a bit nervous! There was great energy in the room. It was also exciting to have Middle and Upper School students work together. It’s very much in keeping with Steward’s core values of care & respect, civil discourse, and individuality to encourage collaboration and creative expression among Spartans. We are thrilled that Ms. Arenstein plans to return to Steward this semester to see our students’ progress.”