Students carve a business niche

Tyler Ferguson, 18, a senior in the Baker High School advanced welding class, continues work on a sign he will present to his brother for Christmas. (Baker City Herald/Kathy Orr)

But after 25 years, teacher Randy Newman looks like he could just as easily be sitting in a library enjoying a favorite book.

Newman moved from the computer at his desk in the classroom to the Baker High School shop as he guided about a dozen students in his advanced welding class Monday to complete projects they’ll offer for sale during the department’s first-ever Christmas Bazaar.

The sale will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday in the BHS Commons at 2500 E St. and will include work produced by students in the Art Department and food prepared by students in the Culinary Department at the EAGLE CAP magnet school housed at the former North Baker School building.

Newman helped students carve out their creations on the school’s PlasmaCam computer-operated cutting system seemingly unaware of the sparks flying as students were grinding metal and using torches to heat their designs as a way of adding color to their creations.

Most of the students were busy putting finishing touches on wall hangings featuring  the shapes of trees, wildlife and mountain scenes. Tables, ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree and signs also have been completed by  students.

Junior Ivan Hansen, 16, helped his friend, Ty Gassin, 17, finish metal ornaments in shapes of a horse, a bear and a duck. Jesse Freeman, 17, sprayed his metal tree design with enamel to prevent it from rusting.

Newman said prices will range from $5 for smaller pieces to as much as $50 for larger wall hangings and even up to $300 to $400 for the tables.

The metal artwork has been popular with community residents, Newman said, and some items might not be available when the bazaar opens Thursday.

“They’re selling them as they’re making them,” he said. “And they’re making them just as fast as they can.”

Students will keep the proceeds from the sales.

“They can show what they’ve done and they’ll be earning money while their learning,” Newman said.