Catawba County art teacher helps with holiday bazaar

Joe Stewart and Courtney Coady, South Iredell High School (SIHS) art teachers, are excited to invite everyone to this year’s holiday bazaar.

Coady, a resident of Catawba County, thinks it’s a great way for others to come help out her art students.

“It’s an opportunity for our department to raise much needed funds to support our students in their creative endeavors,” she said.

On Saturday December 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the annual event will be held in the new SIHS gym.

Since 2019 the teachers worked hard organizing the event that for over 30 years supported the prom.

Stewart is also grateful to do it, because he sees the talented students and knows they need help with much needed student

supplies.

Currently, art is one of the lowest funded programs in the state, with some schools not having art at all.

Right now SIHS’s need is ceramic glaze and other equipment. Stewart welcomes any and all donations whether supplies or monetary gifts to help the program.

“No donation is too small. It takes forever for us to get new equipment,” he said. “When anyone donates, it feels like Christmas to us.”

Being short on supplies has helped him think of new and innovative ways to make the most of what supplies they have.

Along with traditional craft vendors, the students participate by donating a small, hand-crafted piece of pottery.

At their first fall craft fair this year, earrings were a hit with customers.

“They made little candy corns and mushrooms that sold fairly well,” Stewart said. “Lots of elderly enjoy purchasing the art just because it supports the students.

It’s a creative way to inspire the art students to give back and take ownership of their school.

“We donate all the materials to the students,” Stewart said. “The students get to make one for the show and also get to make one for themselves to keep.”

Along with the students’ contributions, Stewart is grateful for Southern Charmers Country Store.

Delanna Lloyd Estrada Jordan, a former student, and co-owner, is helping to sponsor the event. Stewart said she’s been instrumental in helping out the program.

“She’s made fliers and created events on social media,” he said. “She’s also auctioning off an original painting with all the proceeds going to our arts department.”

The students are excited with anticipation of what’s to come and have nothing but kind words of support for the art program.

“I always wanted to do clay and pottery, because it’s a good hobby,” senior Olivia Zasmari. “It’s a free class to relax and have fun in and try new things. Mr. Stewart is a really great teacher that I look forward to everyday.”

Along with the crafts, baked goods, and other items, there will be pictures with Santa at the bazaar. To help out the community, Stewart is asking for a canned food donation to support Fifth Street Ministries.

“We want to give back to the community,” Stewart said.

There is more room for vendors at the show.

A 10X10 booth is $30, and a 10X 20 booth is $40.

For more information, please contact Joe Stewart at sinscraftshow@gmail.com