About: Rita S. Ryan

Follow Artist Rita Ryan's Progress in Clay & Life here click the link below to be re-directed to Rita's Pottery

11.7.11

Let me first say, yes I am a potter, and yes I can teach pottery to children, but one lesson I have learned with children is, I always end up the student. This trip to bring some of America to the Lutheran kids camp in Monor only emphasized that.  Pastor Lajos brought us clay and the children surrounded two very large tables eagerly wanting to participate. You can see the anticipation and excitement as each child's eyes grow bigger and bigger at each cut off the clay hump. These kids do not need much instruction they are all very much "self starters" . The clay projects they created with out a "program" to follow were as diverse and unique as each child themselves.  Being with these children there is no language barrier, you show them a little and they accomplish a lot. A smile, a gentle touch, a simple plan, and the results are affection and love combined with creativity and imagination!  The thing I love so much is that, to me this is such a little thing to bring skills to share, but to the children our being there is HUGE!
Did I teach these children, no they taught me. From their singing praises before meals to their   gentle brotherly love for one another, they taught me that there are still wonderful places to grow up. Places where things get done, not because they have to but because it is life and it is life filled with love, and the love of Christ shines through this little congregation. Everyone here has a
light to shine, not on themselves but on others, everyone participates in creating a beautiful fruitful place for the children to learn. Pastor Lajos is a fine father figure and has no problem with discipline. The children behave because they are taught to behave properly, and they love because they are taught to love one another as Christ loves us, and they get it!
Rita Ryan
Potter (Not Harry)