CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Students in the after school programs at Pomo and Burns Valley Schools were delighted in early December when Stephanie Figueroa, a local artist, came to their sites to teach them how to make sand candles.

This activity was a collaboration between Figueroa and the Children’s Museum of Art and Science (CMAS).

Figueroa donated her time and equipment and CMAS paid for the materials the students used.
 
The cafeterias were buzzing with excitement and the wonderfully aromatic scent of the wax.

Students decorated bags at one table so they could safely carry the candles home once completed.

Twelve students at a time could work at the three sand tables, choosing the shape of the candle and the color of the wax.

Students carefully prepared the holes in the sand  to make their candle shape. When the student was happy with their design, an adult poured the hot wax for them.

When the candles had mostly cooled and hardened they were moved to another table and a wick was added.

Students were very surprised and proud of how well the candles turned out. A total of 135 students from both schools participated.
 
Figueroa participates in birthday parties, craft fairs and other private events. If you are interested in her services, Figueroa’s business, “Candle Play,” can be reached through Facebook ( https://www.facebook/candleplay ) or by phone at 707-994-1098.
 
This year CMAS is very interested in partnering with local artists to bring art experiences to after school programs in Clearlake.

An anonymous donor has started a fund to provide money to purchase art materials that would be needed.

Activities could be a craft project, a drawing lesson or anything that would appeal to students in grades first through eighth.

Call Carolynn Jarrett at 707-994-2878 if you would like to be a presenter or a donor.