Artist-in-residence
programs
the art of teaching
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 students 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.) 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, I worked with the 3rd grade classes at Muhlenberg Elementary (Allentown School District) for 10 days. I chose five projects to reinforce their unit on Japanese and Asian studies.
