Mazama students join collaborative community art project
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Klamath Falls artist Becky Ross works with Mazama sculpture students Hailey Barnhart, left, Haley Cunningham, and Juritzy Jones. (submitted photo)
Mazama art student Sandra Hill sculpts the beginnings of a horse for her contribution to a Community Collaboration Installation, an artwork that takes the pieces of multiple artists and combines them into a singular composition.
Article by Bowen Browder, KCSD communications extern
Sculpture students at Mazama High School are working with a prominent Klamath Basin artist to create a collaborative art piece highlighting nature, growth, and life.
The piece will incorporate the work of high school students around the Basin. The Mazama students, under the instruction of art teacher Catherine Nevala, began their part of the project last week with Becky Ross, a Klamath Falls-based artist who has been visiting and teaching students at schools throughout the Basin for the last 20 years.
Ross and the students are working on a Community Collaboration Installation, an art piece that takes the individual works of multiple artists and combines them into a singular composition. The Klamath Cultural Coalition granted funds for the project.
Mazama art student Susana Espinoza begins the sculpting process for her personal artwork that will join the creations of several other students from schools around the Klamath Falls area. (Submitted photo)
For the piece, local high school art students are creating clay sculptures that Ross will collect and arrange into the piece. The focus is on personal expression, and the students get to keep their models at the conclusion of the event.
Nevala is happy that Ross is able to work with her students.
“With this unusual year and the pandemic going on, it’s an opportunity to somewhat return to normalcy,” Nevala said. “It’s really good that they’re able to do what we normally do.”
Hailey Barnhart, a Mazama junior who is making a rose, enjoys the medium and likes the project’s concept.
“I like to work with clay, it’s really fun,” Barnhart said. “I like that everyone’s together and can make what they want.”
Ross, who has a degree in painting and printmaking from San Diego State University, is passionate about providing artistic instruction, with a particular appreciation for young students.
“Youth are my favorite because things are so new to them,” Ross said, “and they’re not afraid to fail.”
Mazama junior Alexis Jones forms the body of the fish she’s sculpting for a community art project put on by local artist Becky Ross. (Submitted photo)
Alexis Jones, another Mazama junior who is working on a sculpture of a fish, enjoys the class and Ross’ approach to teaching.
“I like the creativity,” Jones said, “it’s more advanced teaching that gives you a better understanding.”
Nevala thinks Ross’ presence allows her students the chance to develop a nuanced outlook on art.
“She has a unique quality to connect instantly with the students when she comes to visit,” Nevala said, “and has a wealth of art history knowledge to share with them.
This is the first time working on an art installation of this kind for Juritzy Jones, a Mazama junior sculpting a bird’s nest.
“This is all new to me.” Jones said. “I like the freedom we have to do something like this.”
To Ross, there’s something special about the Basin community when it comes to art and the way young people are welcomed.
Mazama art student Caden Jayne scrutinizes the shape and design of his frog sculpture. (Submitted photo)
“There’s a sweetness and support for youth here, and it’s something a lot of large cities don’t have,” she said. “These teachers and schools were very generous with their time in letting us come in and give the students an opportunity to experience an art opening. They’re getting special attention because they matter.”
The Community Collaboration Installation, featuring student artwork, is tentatively scheduled for the second week of May at the Klamath Commons Park. Details are still being finalized. High school art students included the project are from Mazama, Klamath Union, Eagle Ridge and the homeschool program Classic Conversations.