Glazey Days Ceramic Classes at Saint Paul School
By Mary Furlong Healey
Special to The Hingham Journal
January 27, 2011
Since October, students at Saint Paul School have been busy creating their own unique ceramic pieces. Students in Grades K-8 have been participating in a new After-School Enrichment Program, taught by Valerie DeVincentis of Glazey Days Ceramics in Weymouth. Known as “Mrs. D” to her students, DeVincentis brings her “mobile” ceramic studio directly to Saint Paul School’s campus.
DeVincentis’ program has been an immediate hit for the newly formed Saint Paul School After-School Enrichment Program. Indeed, it is one of the most popular offerings at school. Girls and boys of all ages have absolutely loved the classes. DeVincentis actually makes each ceramic piece herself, at her home studio located in Weymouth. She then brings the ceramic pieces, along with her paints, brushes and paint trays to school for classes. Sessions have been held in both the school proper, as well as the adjacent Parish House. After the students paint their ceramic pieces, DeVincentis brings them back to her studio to fire them in the kiln. At this point, the children can check on her web-site, to view their finished project, prior to delivery back to the school. DeVincentis then returns each piece to the artist, at school.
During October, November and December, DeVincentis tailored her classes to include holiday themed ceramic pieces. DeVincentis’ pieces have been described as both “fun and functional” and children and parents alike will certainly attest to that. The Saint Paul School children created such useful and decorative items as Light-up Skulls for Halloween, Turkey Napkin Holders for Thanksgiving, and Candy Dishes for Christmas.
DeVincentis has extensive experience working with children. Her business caters to a number of After-School Enrichment Programs, as well as “In-House” School Field Trips, Scout Troops, Church Groups, Recreation Departments and Libraries. DeVincentis has a wonderful way with children, making her classes engaging and fun. She also has an obvious passion and enthusiasm for ceramics. It is this love of ceramics which DeVincentis shares with her students at Saint Paul School.
Opening her own ceramic studio was the fulfillment of a dream for this self-taught ceramicist. DeVincentis overcame a severe, debilitating hand injury, in order to pursue her love of ceramics. Following a 2007 accident in which her left wrist was practically severed (suffered while cleaning a glass fish bowl), DeVincentis underwent an 8-hour surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Following the surgery, Doctors were unsure as to whether she would ever have use of her hand again. DeVincentis was determined to prove them wrong. Working with ceramics actually helped her to regain strength and mobility in her hand. She has surpassed what Doctors originally thought was possible. DeVincentis’ own personal story is one which truly reflects the message that Saint Paul School conveys to its students. DeVincentis persevered in the face of incredible hardship. At Saint Paul School, children are encouraged to meet all challenges that life may bring to them with comparable courage and grace. According to Principal Cynthia Duggan, “ Mrs. DeVincentis is a role model for our children, of faith and determination. We are thrilled to have her as part of our school community.”
Glazey Days Ceramics classes will be continuing through the winter months at Saint Paul School. DeVincentis will be challenging the students in new directions. She will be introducing working with clay, in order to create mosaic mirrors, mosaic puzzles and even functional clocks. Such projects will include working with plywood, tile, grout and glass beads. The students at Saint Paul School are very excited about working with “Mrs. D” once again!
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