At a small gallery and shop in Soldotna, Ethan Satterwhite displayed his art for the first time.

It’s an “awesome” feeling, Satterwhite said.

Satterwhite, along with four other locals, displayed handmade clay masks they made in their art class at Hope Community Resources, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting individuals and families experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injury and mental health challenges.

Helene Griffith teaches art classes to students at Hope Community Resources Kenai Peninsula location near Soldotna. She said it’s the first time her students have showcased their art to the public. She helped her students make clay masks, but her class covers many mediums, like sculpture and painting.

“I like to make masks and other art,” Satterwhite said. “My favorite part was decorating the masks.”

The clay masks, made by the individuals and their caregivers, are on display inside Vibin’, a gift shop and gallery in Soldotna focused on sharing products made by local artists. The masks are part of a silent auction for the individuals. Patrons can stop in to bid on the masks for the rest of the month.

Satterwhite said it was his first time displaying his art and is eager to make more to share.