The Mountaineer

February 12, 2025

Pisgah High School’s art department is in need of a working kiln, leaving students without the opportunity to explore ceramics — a transformative art form that fosters creativity, confidence, and hands-on skill development.

The devastation caused by flooding from Hurricane Helene has only added to the challenges, delaying access to essential tools. That’s why the Haywood County Arts Council, in partnership with Quick Draw, has launched the Fire Up the Arts campaign to raise $7,000 to fully equip Pisgah High School’s ceramics program. This funding will provide:

• A high-quality kiln

• A professional-grade pottery wheel

Durable bats for throwing clay

• Metal shelving for storage

• A variety of glazes to spark creativity

A generous donor has pledged to match up to $3,500 in donations through the end of February — doubling the impact of every contribution. Thanks to an incredible deal on nearly-new equipment, every dollar counts toward transforming the art room into a fully functional ceramics studio.

“Art education is critical for fostering creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills,” said Tonya Harwood, executive director of the Haywood County Arts Council. “Claywork, in particular, provides students with a unique opportunity to connect with their creativity in a tactile and rewarding way. We’re committed to ensuring Pisgah students have access to this experience.”

Donate to the Fire Up the Arts campaign and help reach the $7,000 goal so Pisgah High School students can experience the joy, challenge and reward of working with clay, bringing art back to life in their classroom.