#GivingTuesday is a global day of philanthropy celebrating the work of non-profit organizations across the world. This year, we are raising money for AMOCA's Studio Scholarship Fund. Today, we're lucky to hear from two past recipients who share how the Studio Scholarship Fund positively impacted their creative journey. We hope their stories encourage you to help make a difference in the lives of other artists on this important fundraising holiday!

My name is Paulina Cardenas, and I’m a local artist and recipient of a Studio Scholarship from the American Museum of Ceramic Art.

I received a scholarship to participate in a soda-firing workshop at AMOCA, and I’m so grateful I was selected. It was the first atmospheric firing I’d ever done, and without this support, I don’t think I would have had the courage to sign up. The pieces I fired during the workshop were later used to apply for additional scholarships, including the Cohorts.Art Equity Scholarship, which I was awarded in 2025.

AMOCA's workshop helped me grow as an artist by allowing me to explore a new surface-finishing technique. I now approach my work with a much deeper understanding of how impactful the glazing and firing processes are—something I once saw as just an annoying task. Throughout the workshop, I learned the firing process through both observation and hands-on participation. Watching how to load the kiln strategically so the soda could flow and interact with the flashes and glazes gave me invaluable insight.

This opportunity inspired me to continue pursuing soda firing as a finishing option for my work. Since then, I’ve completed another soda firing. The experience I gained at AMOCA gave me the confidence to participate in future workshops now that I have a strong foundation.

-Paulina

My name is Maribel Robles. Like Paulina, I'm a local artist and recipient of a Studio Scholarship from AMOCA.

Receiving the studio scholarship was transformative for my artistic journey. The six-week ceramics course gave me dedicated time to develop my wheel-throwing skills, particularly in creating small bowls. What began as tentative movements at the wheel evolved into confident shaping as I grew more comfortable with the clay responding to my hands.

The scholarship provided more than just studio access—it offered space to deepen my relationship with the elements. As someone who works with traditional healing practices, I found profound meaning in how our breath became integrated into the creative process. Each piece required presence, intention, and connection to earth, water, and fire through the glazing process. This elemental awareness transformed my practice from simply learning a technique to engaging in something deeply spiritual.

Meeting fellow learners who also felt called to work with clay in this way created a sense of community and shared purpose. We were all navigating the challenges of centering, shaping, and releasing our creations, learning to trust the process and the materials. I am deeply grateful to the donors who make these scholarships possible. This opportunity allowed me to access an art form that connects directly to my values and healing work, strengthening my creative voice while honoring ancestral ways of working with the earth.

-Maribel

We're grateful to Paulina and Maribel for sharing their stories and artistry with us. Your gift, in any amount, helps to fulfill a $5,000 goal and provides more supportive opportunities in 2026 for artists like them!

Please ensure that new and returning artists have a chance to get their hands dirty with clay, no matter their financial circumstances. Donate today to contribute to a more equitable AMOCA!

AMOCA's GivingTuesday 2025

By AMERICAN MUSEUM OF CERAMIC ART

AMOCA's GivingTuesday 2025

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