06/03/2026
Earlier this spring, I was asked by Eden Prairie High School’s art teacher Amanda Budde & Industry Partnership Coordinator, Karen Brettingen to mentor a student.
This student had a very specific project.
That project? Recreating childhood Vietnamese dishes in polymer clay! Of course I said Yes!
EPHS offers Capstone courses where students are paired with mentors to help guide them with their specific projects ideas! It requires students to act like practicing professionals by interacting with local industry mentors and professionals.
Natalie Tran ( .tran_ ) was already very talented so she only needed a little boost from me! She came to each session with great ideas for techniques and was so excited to execute a beautiful piece that her family would instantly recognize! Natalie already had experience working with polymer clay in middle school and creating smaller projects!
LOOK AT THOSE SPRING ROLLS! THE TEXTURES ON THE FISH AND VEGGIES!
I have attempted spring rolls myself in clay..and have yet to execute it that well!
It has really put into perspective to me how much I’ve been able to do since high school over a decade ago!
Her work along with her hardworking classmates’ and their mentors will be on display in-person at the Eden Prairie Center Until June 5th this week!!
