This is Isabella

"Bella is my first young student—and an incredibly creative artist! Just look at this adorable rainbow teapot with matching kitty teacups she made."

**Bella first came to Mudslingers of Ahwahnee with her Girl Scout troop, led by her Mother, Angela. The project that Angela and I came up with was to make picture frames as Christmas gifts for their families. While each piece came out to be a beautiful and unique hand crafted treasure, and the studio was filled with laughter and creativity, something special happened—Bella fell in love with clay-She had caught the clay bug. Bella seemed to have innate sense of how to smooth and manipulate the clay, as if she had done it a hundred times before. Not long after the girl scout outing, Angela signed the two of them up, and even Bella’s dad joined in for a couple of sessions. It wasn't too long before the classes became "Bella’s time"—her own space to stretch her creativity and dive into her ideas with enthusiasm and joy. She talks about the art projects she does at home with such sparkle in her voice, that I can only imagine the art she will be creating throughout the rest of her life. Before every class day with Bella I anticipate with joy, seeing what she brings to life here in the studio. The four hours that Bella spends here are something truly special. And not just because of the beautiful pieces she makes—but because of the light she brings with her. I can honestly say that having Bella here fills the studio with a kind of joy I treasure deeply.**