Weekly Classes Enliven IMAN’s Ceramic Studio
During the spring months, IMAN hosted weekly classes helping visitors of all ages to hone their creative expression inside the Beloved Community Ceramics Studio. Led by newly hired Ceramic Studio Coordinator Ariya Siddiqui, the classes encourage mutual connection and mindfulness. Students are asked to put away their phones, ground themselves in the space, and engage their classmates by learning more of their stories. “Not only is art healing, when we create art, things buried deep within us manifest to express something essential and beautiful,” said Siddiqui. By infusing IMAN’s relational ethos into the ceramics curriculum, participants are able to become more comfortable expressing the highs, lows, challenges and successes informing their art.
IMAN ensures that its arts programming is socially conscious in an accessible, relevant way for community members. This spring’s ceramics classes have integrated a wide range of students’ interests: from indigenous rights struggles to familial bonds, and from love of jazz to favorite foods. Participants in the studio are encouraged to holistically engage with each other, and also with their projects.
Classes are offered seasonally at the Beloved Community Ceramic Studio, and the Summer Session will begin Monday, July 29. There is a small tuition charged for classes, but limited scholarships are available. Stay connected to all the latest IMAN Arts & Culture updates by following us on social media @imancentral and with the hashtag #IMANArts. Interested ceramics students may learn more about upcoming classes and register by contacting arts@imancentral.org