CLEARLAKE >> Students in the After School Programs (ASP) at Pomo and Burns Valley schools had a visit from artist Stephanie Figueroa, who came to their sites to teach them how to make sand candles. The activity was a collaboration between Figueroa and the Children”s Museum of Art and Science (CMAS). Figueroa donated her time and equipment and CMAS paid for the materials the students used.
The cafeterias were buzzing with excitement and the wonderfully aromatic scent of the wax, Carolynn Jarrett stated. Students decorated bags at one table so they could safely carry the candles home once completed. Twelve students at a time could work at the three sand tables, choosing the shape of the candle and the color of the wax. Students carefully prepared the holes in the sand to make their candle shape.
When students were happy with their design, an adult poured the hot wax for them. When the candles had mostly cooled and hardened, they were moved to another table and a wick was added. Students were surprised and proud of how well the candles turned out. A total of 135 students from both schools participated.
CMAS is interested in partnering with artists to bring art experiences to ASP in Clearlake. An anonymous donor has started a fund to provide money to purchase art materials that would be needed. Activities could be a craft project, a drawing lesson or anything that would appeal to students in grades first through eigth. Call Jarrett at 994-2878 to be a presenter or a donor.
