Creativity, collaboration, and community came together as students in Mr. Erich Carlson’s art classes at Alcona High School unveiled the first ceramic totem created for the Alcona Community Schools Sculpture Walk in the district’s Community School Forest.
The handcrafted totem, designed and created by Alcona High School art students, reflects the students’ artistic vision while celebrating the natural beauty and educational opportunities found within the School Community Forest. The installation marks an exciting new chapter in the district’s commitment to integrating art, nature, and hands-on learning experiences.
This project was made possible through a valued partnership with Huron Arts Collaboration (HARC), a nonprofit arts organization based in Greenbush, Michigan, dedicated to ceramic arts education and community collaboration.
(Back L-R) Sierra Wright, Izzi Bauerle, Alyssa Buchmann, Alyssa Hale, Art Teacher Mr. Erich Carlson, and Cooper Brier, (Front L-R) Abby Loyer and Huron Arts Collaboration Artist Helen Hierta. Not pictured; Brezlin Sargent and graduated seniors: Zoey Arcand, Julia Caso Blanco, Chloe Davis, Ash Donnelly, Addison Dumas, Marley Lahman, and Brooklyn Webb.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the Huron Arts Collaboration,” said Dan O’Connor, Alcona Community Superintendent. “Bringing the ceramic arts into the school has been a vision for our school and now we have two outstanding art pieces that represent the value of creativity; our art tile mural and now the totem in our Community School Forest.”
The ceramic totem joins the existing art tile mural in the school auditorium lobby as a lasting example of the power of partnerships and the importance of arts education. Together, these projects showcase student creativity while enhancing school spaces for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Alcona Community Schools hopes to continue expanding the Sculpture Walk annually by adding an additional student-created ceramic totem each year.
Community members who would like to support the growth of the ceramics program are invited to make donations to the Alcona Community Schools ceramics department. Donations will help fund HARC instructors, materials, installation expenses, interpretive signage, and educational field trips that inspire future artistic concepts and designs.
With continued community support, students will have the opportunity to create one or two new totems each year, building a unique collection of artwork that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the connection between art and the natural environment.
Those interested in contributing to the ceramics program may send donations to:
Alcona Community Schools
Attn: Ceramics Department
51 N. Barlow Road
Harrisville, MI 48740
Please include “Ceramics Sculpture Walk Fund” in the memo line. For more information about the Sculpture Walk or to make a donation, please contact Dan O’Connor at oconnord@alconaschools.net or 989-736-8534.