When Bernie Sayers isn’t training future artists or acting as the lab teaching assistant of the art department, he is practicing photography and ceramics, two of his long-standing hobbies.

Throughout the next few weeks, Sayers will display pieces from his art collection in the City College Bookstore in the exhibit “Earth, Water and Fire.” Among these are ceramic bowls, photographs of flowers, and colorful vases.

He was motivated by one of the Bookstore’s buyers, Kathy Stein.

“Kathy approached me about the idea, and I never would’ve considered it alone,” Sayers said. “So I just thought ‘Hey, what the heck?'”

As a buyer, Stein’s main responsibility encompasses ordering supplies and soft goods for departments on campus. She also organizes displays in the Bookstore that she hopes will create “a more welcoming environment.”

“Over the last year and a half, I’ve tried to develop relationships with artists and become more involved in the local artist community,” Stein said. “And I’ve uncovered a wealth of creativity. I want to express that creativity to the students, and Bernie is one of many.”

Before he arrived at City College almost 30 years ago, Sayers spent 10 years exploring his other love: photography. He sold cameras in Sacramento before he decided to return to school.

Sayers came to City College, received an associate degree, and then landed a job as a lab technician in the Art department, which is essentially the same job he has now. The college just recently switched his job title to lab teaching assistant less than five years ago.

As the Art department’s lab teaching assistant, Sayers helps faculty stay prepared for their classes, assists in labs, helps art students in any way he knows how, and is also responsible for loading and firing ceramic wear.

Despite the job’s challenging aspects, Sayers said he enjoys being surrounded by clay and art every day.

“It’s a really great job,” he said. “I love clay, and it’s a fun medium.”

Sayers said he does exhibit his art “every once in awhile,” but his creativity can sometimes take a backseat to his personal life and the often demanding job as a lab teaching assistant.

“I enjoy working and I like making pots, but I have another life,” Sayers said.

During his spare time, Sayers participates in the Big Brother Little Brother program. The organization helps children succeed and meet goals through a relationship with a mentor, a role that Sayers said he was happy to fill.

Although his busy schedule prevents him from making pots on a regular basis, his hands are “in clay almost all of the time,” he said.

“I was looking for a real-life Santa Barbara artist,” Stein said. “And Bernie seemed to fit that perfectly.”

Stein said she hopes the exhibits in the Bookstore will get more students interested in art as well as promote the Art department. In the past, Stein has displayed centennial artwork in the Bookstore and held exhibits with artists like 1970s female Z-Boys member Peggy Oki.

Sayers’ pieces will remain on display throughout March leading up to Earth Day. The Bookstore’s next display will involve commencement.