Art has always been a way for people to express themselves, using creativity and skill to show emotions that aren’t always easy to put into words. In the classroom, teachers play a big role in encouraging that creativity by pushing students to take risks and try new things. Through art, students are able to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a different way, one that goes beyond what they can say out loud. It gives them the chance to experiment and make mistakes without the pressure of needing everything to turn out perfectly. In that process, students often start to gain more confidence in their own ideas and develop their own style of thinking. Over time, what begins as a simple project can turn into something much more personal, helping students understand themselves better while also learning how to express what matters to them in a meaningful way.

Carly Delrosso believes that teaching is one of the most powerful ways to learn: “You learn something deeply when you’re teaching someone else.” Every class of hers is a learning experience not just for her students but for her as well. As she explains techniques and watches students experiment, she continues to grow alongside them. One of her favorite parts of teaching is welcoming students who don’t usually see themselves as “artsy.” She loves inviting people who may have never considered taking an art class to try something new. “I don’t expect everyone to love art, but I think everyone can have a good experience.” For many students, ceramics becomes a refreshing break from their usual academic routine, a space where mistakes are part of the process and creativity is encouraged. Those moments when students finally understand a technique or feel proud of their work are especially impactful moments to her. She values how students are able to freely express themselves within her classroom.

Mrs. Delrosso didn’t always plan on sticking with ceramics. While she was in high school, she dropped the course, but with time she changed her mindset: “if you go in with the idea that you don’t have to be amazing at everything you do, then everything is worth trying once.” That perspective now shapes how she encourages her students to take risks and not be afraid of failure. For Mrs. Delrosso, art is about much more than just technique, saying,“We don’t host art classes just to make better artists; creating is a form of communication.” She wants students to learn how to express themselves and understand their emotions through their artwork. In her eyes, these skills are just as important as anything learned in a traditional classroom. Through clay, creativity, and compassion, Mrs. Delrosso has built a space where students feel encouraged to explore who they are. Whether someone dreams of becoming an artist or simply wants to try something new, her classroom offers her students the opportunity to express themselves no matter what. 

A perfect example of her philosophy in action is the final exam for her Ceramics 2 students, which is anything but traditional. Instead of a written test or solo project, students are asked to step into the role of teacher themselves by inviting a staff member at DR to the ceramics room and teaching them to throw on the wheel. This experience gives students the chance to apply everything they’ve learned in a real, hands-on way while also reinforcing their understanding. At the same time, it creates a unique bonding moment between students and their chosen teacher, allowing them to connect outside of the usual classroom dynamic. The process can be messy and challenging, but that’s part of what makes it meaningful. Students not only build confidence in their own skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the learning process as they guide someone else through it.