Contributed LEARNING OPPORTUNITY — Elisa Morris was among the local pupils at last week's pottery camp.

STEUBENVILLE — Creativity was on full display as students participated in the Sycamore Youth Center’s Pottery Camp, held recently under the guidance of local pottery artist Paul Monroe.

The free camp provided area youth with the opportunity to explore the art of ceramics through hands-on instruction and creative expression. Throughout the week, campers learned a variety of pottery-making techniques while creating their own unique projects from clay.

Students worked with hand-building methods and an electric pottery wheel, gaining firsthand experience in shaping, molding and designing original pieces. Campers also learned about the firing and glazing processes that transform clay into finished pottery.

“Pottery is a wonderful way for young people to express their creativity while learning patience, focus and problem-solving skills,” said Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center. “It was exciting to watch the students grow in confidence throughout the week as they transformed simple pieces of clay into beautiful works of art.”

Monroe, owner of Spyridon Studio in downtown Steubenville, shared his expertise and passion for pottery with the students, helping them learn the fundamentals of the craft while encouraging creativity and experimentation.

“The campers did an outstanding job,” Bauman said. “Paul has a tremendous gift for working with young people and helping them discover talents they may not have realized they had.”

The Pottery Camp is one of more than 26 free summer camps being offered by the Sycamore Youth Center this year. The camps provide children throughout the Ohio Valley with opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills and build friendships in a positive environment.

“We are grateful to all of our instructors and volunteers who make these camps possible,” Bauman added. “Our goal is to give every child the opportunity to learn, create and thrive during the summer months.”

For information about upcoming camps and programs, visit sycamorecenter.com.