The work was made using earthenware terracotta clay and a coiling technique. Coils were produced with a clay extruder to ensure a consistent thickness, then spiralled into a plaster mould kindly donated to Reachout by a local artist.

The coils were carefully joined and smoothed before the plate was divided into quarters, with each section representing an individual participant’s personality. While the clay was leather-hard, the surface was decorated with impressed designs, both hand-drawn and created using stamps.

Once bisque fired, the piece was decorated with underglaze colours. Initials and additional decorative elements were added, with final details kept in black to create a consistent finish, contrasting with the vibrant range of patterns and colours throughout the design. A clear topcoat glaze was applied to give the piece a glossy finish.

The young people titled the work Collaborative Alloa Academy Plate. It was later featured in a public exhibition at the Tolbooth in Stirling, before being gifted to the Principal Teacher of the Complex Needs department for permanent display within the school.

This piece is a strong example of how art can bring people together and capture shared experiences and memories.