Hi, I’m Heather Flowers.
I’ve been teaching classes as Hands on Clay out of Veterans Park Recreation Center (in Lehigh Acres, Florida) and my home (in Fort Myers, Florida) since 2021. And I’ve had clay in my life since childhood.
From childhood to FGCU, I began taking ceramics classes right away. I concentrated my time on ceramics while getting my Bachelors of Art. I even got to study abroad in St. Lucia, learning from local potters there. I have taught ceramics/art at BIG Arts on Sanibel as well as in the public school system for two and a half years as an elementary school art teacher.
One day in 2021, I walked into Veterans Park Rec Center and someone asked if I could teach archery, as they were looking for a teacher. I replied, “no, but I can teach ceramics.” And that was the beginning of Hands On Clay.
teaching philosophy
I believe kids need creative outlets. I believe in giving them full autonomy over their creations. And I believe adults need the same thing!
BEnefits
The benefits of ceramics are endless. Stress relief. Fine motor skills. Learning patience. Slowing down. Concentrating. Creative outlet. Cause and effect. Learning natural consequences. A grounding connection to nature.
A note on projects
I typically have a set rhythm to my classes. Two weeks are for creating. Then I take a week off class to properly and thoroughly dry out the pieces and fire them in my kiln. The last class is for glazing. Once glazed, projects will need to be fired one more time. Typically, artwork is ready for pick up a week after class.