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From Page to Palm: Teens bring stories and characters to life through clay at Statesboro Library

The Statesboro-Bulloch County Library ushers in new creative opportunities each week during the summer, giving kids a safe space to let their imaginations run wild through fun, hands-on crafting projects. This fall, the fun will continue as the programming shifts to a monthly gathering for teens to socialize and create.
Chance Lucas
Chance Lucas
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A collection of colorful clay creations sits on display, showcasing the imaginative work of teens during the library’s weekly Teen Craft event / Photos by Chance Lucas

On Thursday, July 17, the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library transformed into a creative playground as teens gathered for another session of the popular summer program “Teen Craft.”

The weekly series invites local youth to bring their imaginations to life through hands-on projects, and this session, they did just that using colorful clay.

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Participants focus on building detailed clay scenes, turning their creative ideas into hands-on art at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library.

While the suggested project was a phone holder, the real assignment was simple: create whatever your mind could dream up.

Teens molded and sculpted everything from characters and creatures to scenes inspired by the very books they’ve been reading this summer, bringing stories from the page into the palm of their hands.

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Teens smile as they work on their projects, blending creativity and fun during Thursday’s Teen Craft session.

“Our weekly Teen Craft is to give the teenagers a safe place for them to joke around, be creative, be artistic, in a safe place where they can create their own stories. As you can see, they're all very independent, very fun, if you give them a chance. I think they're just stereotypes that teenagers can be scary or not as friendly, but I think if you give them a chance they can show you something very special,” said Nicolle, library assistant at the Statesboro Regional Public Library.

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A young participant sculpts a volcano figure from clay, one of many imaginative pieces inspired by stories and favorite interests.

Library staff provided clay and tools, but the teens supplied the ideas, filling the room with quiet focus and bursts of laughter as their creations came to life.

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Librarian Nicolle checks in with participants as they share ideas and creations during the event.

Excitement, laughter, and smiles roamed throughout the library as the kids had the chance to express themselves through their artist minds, and they were just given the chance to be themselves in front of all their friends at the library.

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A student adds final touches to her clay sculpture, bringing her ideas to life with focus and precision.

Teen Craft, held every Thursday at 4 p.m., has become a staple of the library’s summer programming. Past sessions have included projects like edible candy sculptures and tie-dye day, all geared towards giving teens a space to unwind, be themselves, and engage with their peers.

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Creativity and connection at the weekly craft session finishes with final designs from the kids.

The summer series will shift to a monthly schedule during the school year, held on the second Thursday of each month. For more information on upcoming craft sessions, visit https://strl.info/statesboro-bulloch_county_library/programs_calendar/index.php.