At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. Whether they teach virtual classes or in-person activities, the curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning.

We got the opportunity to chat with Alva CalyMayor, Director of Youth and Gallery Programs at Artshack Brooklyn, a nonprofit ceramics and art studio, to learn to learn more about the benefits of out-of-school activities and inspiring moments in the studio.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started these programs.

Artshack began as a small afterschool program for kids in McKendree Key’s backyard, and no one could have guessed how much it would grow from there. What started as a humble space for children to explore ceramics has blossomed into a 6,000-square-foot community studio. Today, Artshack offers over $250,000 in scholarships annually to Black and Brown residents of Bed-Stuy and runs a 'pay what you wish' program for seniors over 60, bringing a beautiful intergenerational energy to the studio.

At its core, Artshack has always believed that clay should be accessible to everyone. It’s a space where anyone—whether a seasoned artist or someone new to the craft—can come in, get their hands dirty, and be part of something special. The community here is built on kindness, generosity, and a shared belief that clay has the power to heal. Artshack isn’t just a studio; it’s a welcoming ecosystem where people of all ages and backgrounds come together, create, and support one another.

Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?

One of the most inspiring moments I’ve had as an educator is seeing how much kids remember from their time at Artshack, even years later. It’s always surprising how the lessons and experiences stick with them. What's even more amazing is when kids who once attended our summer camps as participants come back as counselors. They bring with them the same energy and creativity they experienced as campers, and they’re now teaching younger kids the same techniques they learned—and it’s like the lessons are still fresh in their minds. Watching them pass on what they’ve learned, while also finding their own unique ways to inspire the next generation, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact we have as educators and how creativity can continue to grow, evolve, and shape the future

What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?  

The most rewarding thing about teaching children is seeing how they connect with their creativity in such a genuine and personal way. At Artshack, we give kids the space to experiment, take risks, and find their own voice through art. It’s incredible to watch them light up when they discover something new—whether it’s learning to throw on the pottery wheel for the first time or creating a piece of art that truly reflects who they are.

What’s even more fulfilling is knowing that the lessons they learn here stay with them, often long after they’ve left. It’s always surprising how much they remember, and how those moments of inspiration shape their creativity in the years that follow. Some of the kids who once attended our camps are now returning as counselors, passing on what they’ve learned and teaching the next generation of young artists. Watching that cycle of creativity and growth is one of the most rewarding parts of our job.

What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?

One time a child really surprised me and made my day was during our Circus Week. We always have so much fun with our themed weeks, and during Circus and Theatre Week, the kids get really into performing. One year, a group of kids put together a chicken tamer act for their performance, and it was just hilarious and unexpected! They went all in with their creativity, and the energy was so contagious—Summer camp at Artshack is always full of these surprises. Sometimes we take the pottery wheels outside, and the kids get so excited to teach their parents or neighbors how to throw clay. It’s such a proud moment for them, and a great way to bring the community into their creative process. And on the last day of camp, our water games are legendary. The kids love teaming up to do bucket dumps of icy water on the counselors—nothing says ‘summer fun’ like that!

And, of course, there are those quiet, but equally amazing moments, like when a child creates a stunning clay portrait of their teacher. These are just a few of the moments that make our summer programs so special.

Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?  

After school and extracurricular programs like the ones we offer at Artshack are crucial for children because they provide an outlet for creative expression, personal growth, and critical thinking outside the traditional classroom setting. Art is such a powerful tool for self-expression and problem-solving. When children engage in art, whether through clay, drawing, sculpture, or other mixed-media techniques, they’re not just learning technical skills—they’re also building confidence, learning how to experiment, take risks, and work through challenges in a supportive, process-driven environment.

At Artshack, we offer young artists the opportunity to explore various mediums, like hand-building with clay, working on the pottery wheel, or engaging in printmaking and felting. Each project is designed to encourage children to refine their ideas, develop their unique artistic voice, and collaborate with their peers. By allowing them to experiment, make discoveries, and see the value in the creative process rather than focusing solely on the final product, we help them build resilience and critical thinking skills that extend beyond the studio.

But it’s not just about art—it’s about providing a safe space for children to grow in confidence, make mistakes, and try new things. When kids have the freedom to explore their creativity after school or during camp, they’re building important life skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and self-reflection. These experiences allow them to develop a sense of ownership and pride in their work, which can translate into other areas of their lives. At Artshack, we believe this kind of enrichment plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded, confident, and creative individuals.

How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs?

I believe kids can discover their passions in so many ways, and afterschool programs like ours at Artshack are a big part of that. When kids come here, they get to dive into all kinds of creative activities—things they might not get to try during school. Whether it’s getting their hands dirty with clay, experimenting with printmaking, or exploring felting and silkscreening, there’s so much room for them to explore. We give them the chance to try different materials and techniques, helping them figure out what sparks their excitement and creativity.

A cool part of our program is that kids get to work with other kids from different schools and age groups. It’s a great way for them to share ideas, try new things, and see art through different lenses. Plus, they get involved in creating editions of artwork that help fund our scholarship program for BIPOC individuals, Bed-Stuy residents, elders, and kids of all ages. Knowing their art helps make creativity more accessible to others and gives them a real sense of pride and purpose.

At the end of the day, we think finding a passion outside of school is about giving kids the freedom to play, experiment, and just have fun. Without the pressure of grades or rules, they can discover new talents and passions they might not have realized they had!