Thursday, May 2, 2019

Yay for Clay Day!

Many grade levels are working on a clay project this week in the Muddy Brook art studio.  First graders are sculpting community members for their collage town, third graders are making miniature food or revisiting the mirror project for another go.  Fourth grade learned about contemporary artist Kimmy Cantrell and made textured mask like faces. 

We are using up old clay that has been in the kiln room longer than I have been teaching here (six years).  The clay needed to be reconditioned and softened and I've been working on that since the winter.  It's a lot of work, but worth it to see how excited artists are about using earth clay.  All the work areas need to be wiped down constantly to keep the dust under control and keep our studio healthy.  We also like to run our fantastic electric kiln only when it is absolutely full, as I am mindful of energy use. 

Most of these projects will be finished with alternatives to glaze, as our glaze color palette is limited and students will need many options to realize their big plans!  I predict many ceramics will be on display in the upcoming art show May 28th - may 31st.

 First Graders made figures for their community.

 3rd Graders were extremely creative with their miniature food!

Pre-K's creatures

 Fourth Grade masks, each one is unique!