BOUNTIFUL — Viewmont High School students in the arts pathway listened to sculpture Karen Jobe Templeton talk about what it’s like to go through the process of sculpting a major monument.

Templeton was this year’s speaker for the arts pathway students and toured the class where students displayed their own sculptures. Viewmont students wanted to know about the process an artist like Templeton goes through.

“She didn’t start out as an artist, she was a nurse,” said Viewmont High School career center advisor, Neola Jones.

Templeton spent long hours on the Crandall Canyon Mine memorial, dedicated to those who died either as a result of the original cave-in or as rescuers. The monument was unveiled and dedicated in September 2008.

“Heroes Among Us” depicts nine men who died, Luis Hernandez, Don Erickson, Kerry Allred, Carlos Payan, Manny Sanchez, Brandon Phillips, Brandon Kimber, Gary Jensen and Dale Black, in a bronze monument.

Templeton has also done work on other sculptures including figure and portrait, as well as glass and steel work. She told students to overcome any fears and just get to work.

“Students are surprised a local person could so something on that scale,” said Jones.

The pathways program has been a part of Viewmont High School for two years. It divides students into five different categories of art, humanities, science, technology and business. The program was started to encourage smaller learning communities within large high schools.

Students within each pathway have a specific advisor and are directed to take electives geared toward that pathway. The intent is to guide students and have them in classes with others who have similar interests.

Each pathway has one week during the year dedicated to it. During that week, students attend assemblies and lectures focused on their interests. Templeton came as part of the arts pathway week.

On Friday, Nov. 21, students will all go to different assemblies focusing on each pathway. The assemblies will be held at the same time, but in different places. Jones also coordinates throughout the year for different speakers to come to Viewmont High School.