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residencies

Residencies

My “artist-in-residence” programs vary according to the needs of the school.  They may last from a few days to a few weeks.

1.) My basic residency is called “E Pluribus Unum.”  The cost is generally $3.00-$4.50 per student (depending on the size of the student body) .  In this type of residency, I see the entire student body during their regularly scheduled art class.  While I demonstrate on my potter's wheel, I teach the following:  geological origins of clay, geometry of form, chemistry of clay and glazes, the historical and cultural significance of ceramics, the importance of clay in modern daily life, and, most importantly, the benefits of a creative mind.  During this type of residency, each student cuts at least one tile for me to use in a mosaic.   Distinctive images are used for each class, so when the mosaic is later mounted in the school, the students see their ownership in the finished piece .  Although hands-on time is limited with this residency, the educational benefits are excellent.  I have been successful at integrating clay into the curriculum at every grade level.  It is an affordable way to include the entire student body in a public work of art.

2.) With smaller student bodies it is possible to have a residency that includes the entire “E Pluribus Unum” program, but also explores a hands-on clay project with a  chosen grade level.  The cost per student increases with this program, but a whole grade level will have a more in-depth opportunity to explore clay.  This type of program is especially beneficial where clay is not always an integral part of the art curriculum.

3.) Another type of residency involves directing a group project.  This would not include the “E Pluribus Unum” program, but instead concentrates on an in-depth study of clay. This may directly correspond to a current curricular unit or just be “art for art's sake.”  For instance, in May of 2003 I worked with the 3rd grade classes at Muhlenberg Elementary (Allentown School District) for 10 days.  I chose 5 projects to reinforce their unit on Japanese and Asian studies.