Special to the Herald

SPRINGFIELD – Abbey Baker’s career is taking shape.

Baker, 24, is the new ceramics instructor at the Effingham County Senior Citizens Center. Her first day on the job was Sept. 4.

“I have a love for art,” Baker said. “This was not the first time that I had my eye on this job. My grandpa showed me an ad for it a few years ago but I was still in school and travelling, so I wouldn’t have been able to fill it.”

Baker is a graduate of Effingham County High School and Georgia Southwestern State University. She completed her college studies during this summer.

“This job was closed for a few years but I found it again through (the Effingham County Board of Commissioners) Facebook page,” Baker said. “Actually, my sister sent me one of their promotional videos about them looking for an instructor.”

Baker concentrated on painting during her college career but is well versed in ceramics.

“I think what we do in this department is kind of a mix of painting and ceramics,” she said.

Baker said artists of all skill levels are welcome in her class.

“I personally think that even bad art is really good art,” she said. “I think the creative process is really cathartic and it’s just about igniting and sparking the innately creative things that we have inside of us. I think anyone of any age and any experience level can tap into that.”

The Senior Citizens Center is open to all Effingham County residents who are at least 60 years old and can take care of their personal needs.

“Truthfully, being in this kind of setting is going to be a learning curve for me,” Baker said. “I’ve taught a few kids classes for Vacation Bible School and summer camps – that kind of stuff -- but this will be a new direction. I will get to experience and teach people who are obviously a different age than me but we can bridge the generational gap together.

“We are in this communal space making stuff and it’s all about collaboration.”

Many of the items made by members are sold in the center’s gift shop. Proceeds are used to fund center activities.

To learn more about Baker’s class, call 912-754-2138.