~A year-long journey in mindful creativity culminates at the John Larmonie Center~
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 23rd, the final glaze strokes were applied to the last ceramics pieces to be loaded into the kiln, bringing the Let’s Act Break Free Ceramics Project to a close. What began as a creative initiative with the National Institute of Arts (NIA) and Milton Peters College has grown into a rich, community-centered experience that engages adults and teens in mindful artistic practice throughout the school year.
The program was structured across five themed six-week sessions, each designed to inspire participants while honoring Caribbean culture and heritage. The themes spanned a rich variety of traditions and celebrations, from coal pot making and Christmas decorations to a dedicated Black History Month session.
The program goals were 3-fold: Preservation of Cultural Heritage - Participants learned about traditional Caribbean ceramic techniques and historical artifacts, deepening their connection to local cultural roots.
Creative Skill Development - Attendees gained hands-on experience in ceramics, enhancing their artistic skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Community Engagement and Economic Opportunity - Exhibitions provided a platform for participants to showcase their work to the public — and for emerging artists, an opportunity to sell their creations.
Workshops were well attended throughout the year, and participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. NIA’s commitment to providing meaningful one-on-one attention meant that class sizes were intentionally kept small — ensuring every student received the guidance and focus they deserved while still reaching as many community members as possible.
To celebrate the work of this year’s participants, NIA will present a public display of student ceramics at the John Larmonie Center, Longwall Road from May 28th through June 5th, 2026. The public is warmly invited to view the exhibition free of charge.
On Thursday, June 5th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, join NIA for a special closing reception. While exploring the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to meet and greet the instructors and hear about exciting future plans for the program.
This program was made possible through the Let’s Act Program for Strengthening Cultural Participation. NIA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, supporters, and the wider community whose enthusiasm made this project a success.