As part of their last pottery session through the Mariposa County Art Council's Artist in Schools Program, Erika Miranda's students at SFCS made a sawdust kiln with artists Tiffany Newberry and Phyllis Becker.
Students Johnathan Chapman, Bradlee Teixeira, Marilyn Wilder, Skylee Borba, and Daniela Ortiz-Garagarza, gathered kindling to use to help get the fire going in the sawdust kiln.
Students carried the materials they needed to build the kiln to the designated spot. Samantha Stevenson, Sayer Harry, and Celianna Lee help with the bricks.
Kayla Lawrence and Sophia Rudge carry a cement block as Marilyn Wilder carries other materials in a bag.
Cael Harry works on cutting the wire mesh needed for the kiln with the help of Ryan Ramirez and Emilee Cordero.
Artist Tiffany Newberry explaining what happens to the clay.
Students gather round as the demonstration begins. Safety first -- so a few students were called upon at a time to help with various parts.
Everyone has a chance to get involved.
Students wrap their pottery in seaweed. The seaweed adds color to the pots. The pottery is then wrapped in foil, to keep the minerals in the seaweed near the pots, during the firing.
Jerry Moore, a parent volunteer from our local fire department was on hand to help make sure the fire lighting of the  kiln was done safely. He, Malte Salonen, and Bradlee Teixeira watch as Emilee Cordero and Tiffany Newberry get ready to light the fire.
A big moment -- starting the fire!
The kiln was a success. Students received their pieces a few days later.
Students also received back finished pieces from prior sessions. 
Daniela Ortiz Garagarza is happy with her piece of pottery.

What a wonderful program sponsored by the Mariposa County Arts Council.
Sierra Foothill Charter School thanks the Arts Council and artists Tiffany Newberry and Phyllis Becker.

Sierra Foothill Charter School is a free, non-profit, K-8 public school. For more information, contact the office at (209) 742-6222 or visit SFCS’s website: sierrafoothillcharterschool.org. To stay up to date on all the latest happenings, “like” SFCS on Facebook.