Help C.S. Porter Middle School get a new kiln.

You know me as Candice. My students know me as Ms. H, Ms. Haster, or Ms. Candice. I'm a ceramic artist and I teach art in Missoula, Montana - currently at C.S. Porter Middle School. Our kiln is in dire need of replacement, and I'm here to ask for your help. As you know, district budget cuts have impacted the arts in heartbreaking ways. Our kiln is the oldest in the district, and deemed the most in-need of replacement. It is inefficient (heating consumes an estimated 5x the energy of a new kiln) and it misfires consistently, resulting in damage to student artwork, funky glazes, lots of wasted time and energy, and broken hearts. You all remember how heartache felt in middle school, right? I'd like to prevent that, where I can, and give these kids a chance to feel proud, accomplished and to celebrate their creativity and creative risk-taking.

C.S. Porter is the only Title 1 Middle School in Missoula. That means that the youth we serve are largely low income. This also means that your donation will be 100% tax deductible.

The Plan:

When we reach our goal ($4,100) we will purchase a kiln from the Archie Bray in Helena. The kind folks at this amazing, historical organization (along with help from local donors) have agreed to give us the lowest possible price and have been absolutely delightful to work with. Any funds raised beyond our goal will go toward installation costs & supplies for our art room.

Currently, MCPS does not have room in the budget to purchase a new kiln for our school. This kiln has been in need of replacement for years, and I don't see another clear path to attaining one in the near future.

With my background in ceramics, my connection to our creative community, and my drive to connect Missoula's youth to Montana's (and Missoula's) historic and contemporarily thriving clay story, I am in a special position to make this happen - for our students, who are among those who need it most.

What do you say? Would you be willing to pitch in? Or even share this post?

So much love and so much gratitude.