After school, you may expect to find a few students milling about the ceramics studio: working on projects at the wheel, finishing homework, or just hanging out. However, during Mug-a-Palooza, the studio is bustling with activity as faculty, students, and parents alike get their hands dirty and work with clay. Mug-a-palooza, a replacement of the annual Bowl-a-Thon, is a fan favorite tradition that provides the Westridge community with the opportunity to utilize the studio and create their very own mugs under the guidance of ceramics teacher and department head Lorri Deyer, as well as her Clay Design & Engineering II class. Over the course of three workshops culminating with a final mug sale, attendees learn how to make their own mugs from start to finish. While most participants have little to no experience, they go through the process of throwing them on the wheel, trimming, and glazing before they’re sent off to be fired in the kiln. All of the mugs made during the after-school workshops are then sold during the final Mug-a-Palooza event, where the creators of each mug have the chance to reserve theirs in advance if they wish.
The mug sale is also an opportunity for those who did not participate in the workshops to purchase the ceramics pieces, with all proceeds going to a charity of the class’ choosing. This year, the Clay Design & Engineering II students chose to donate the money to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), which is dedicated to protecting and advocating for immigrant rights. “Interest [in CHIRLA] is more now just because of what’s happening in the world, which is great for them, and it’s a really good time for us to be doing this for them,” noted Ms. Deyer. Held on October 17, November 7, and November 17, the Mug-a-Palooza workshops were a huge success, with lower schoolers just learning how to shape their blocks of clay and experienced ceramicists working away at the wheel. But the workshops aren’t just a fun after-school activity: they’re a way for the community to connect. Mrs. Michelle Amos, an Upper School science teacher, observed that because ceramics students are the ones instructing attendees in the studio, the workshops reverse the normal teacher-student dynamic. “If you know that they’re the expert, that makes it all the more fun and enjoyable,” she said.
Participants are also given the freedom to get creative during the workshops. In addition to learning general skills, attendees can design and glaze their mug however they wish. 8th grade parent Ms. Ferris Rosen attended her second Mug-a-Palooza this year. After learning how to use the wheel last year, she wanted to experiment this time around. “I wanted something that was misshapen, something that was hand-formed," she explained.
Because the workshops are open to the entire community, you’re also sure to spot some new faces in the studio. Clarie H. ’28, a Clay Design & Engineering II student, noted, “I’ve seen a lot of parents and faculty come in, and I see a lot of lower schoolers too, which I didn’t expect. So many of them have asked me if they can take Ceramics now.” Fourth graders Madeline F. and Chloe L. (pictured right) are two of these many lower schoolers, who said that it was their first time being in the upper school ceramics studio.
At the sale on December 10, Clay Design & Engineering II students displayed the mugs that had been made during the workshops, allowing 15 minutes for viewing before they were eligible for purchase. Ms. Deyer’s students all contributed to making the event happen: from pricing the ceramics, ringing up customers, gift-wrapping purchased mugs, and serving hot holiday beverages. As of now, they have not calculated the total proceeds, but Ms. Deyer says that they will continue to sell the remaining mugs at a couple of lunchtime sales. Reflecting on the importance of the event, she said, “It was always from the start to teach girls that art can have a benefit. Aesthetic beauty and beauty alone is more than enough; we don't have enough beauty in the world and I think that’s really important. But if you can also make your art help other people, that’s the best, right?”