Day in Clay

Frequently Asked Questions—

Q. How many students can you teach at a time?

A. Hands-on programs 18 – 25 ( normal class size)

Multi-Cultural Demonstration Program Potters Wheel Program – single classes —Also assembly type situation (120 students).

Q. How many sessions can you teach in a day?

A. From 4 – 5 45 minute sessions /day. I can also teach larger combined class groups or assemblies, up to 120 only for the Potters Wheel Program students. Typically larger session require more time (minimum of 1 hour).

Q. What do most schools do?

A. Most schools enjoy the intimacy of 15 – 26 students in a 45 – 50 minute period—preferring 4 sessions/ day with an extended class time of an hour or more. The extended periods are preferable for many reasons. Many schools now request that additional time from me.

Q. You can do a maximum of five 45- minute sessions a day. What if we have 6 classes?

A. If you can combine two classes to make it more cost effective and manage the extra group without going into a second day, with a minimal additional cost.

This option is dependent on space in the room that comfortably allows two groups at once. The program will not have the same level of intimacy as the smaller program, but can certainly accommodate a larger group as necessary.

Q. Can students participate?

A. Yes.

1) Multi-cultural Potter’s Wheel demonstrations

Depending on the class time and size of the group, the students can participate in a signature plate, where all students come up and sign the vessel.

I typically finish the piece in my studio and provide it for later viewing. This gives students a feel for what it is like to draw in clay using symbols and patterns. i.e. hieroglyphics

The other option is to actually come up the wheel and work on a group piece, and experience the clay spinning through their hands.

A discussion of their experiences follows. Students like this engagement.

Q. If we don’t have a kiln can we do hands on program?

A. Yes, we use an air dried, non-toxic, paintable clay, that dries to a reasonably hard surface. The pieces, however, are not utilitarian/functional. However, it allows the student a taste of working in real clay without the time, process and expense of firing and glazing. Most elementary schools work this way.

Q. Do all the days have to be scheduled consecutively?

A. No. I can leave my equipment over night and set up very easily in the following days.

Q. Do you supply all the materials?

A Yes, I generally do and prefer it that way. Sometimes a school offers their clay and I arrive only to find out that the clay they have is old and dried out and totally unworkable.

Q. How much space do you need?

A. Other than large assemblies I can usually teach in the art room or multipurpose space.

Q.What preparation or requirements do you need?

A. I like to create a working artist’s studio environment in the classroom. I bring samples of actual finished work, posters, and visuals. Students love them. I work on a very large scale on and off the potter’s wheel, making it easy for everyone to see. Available counter space is an advantage.

· 2-3 tables to work on are essential.

· I usually rearrange the art room to allow for a semi circle of chairs.

· Protection: I will bring paper to cover the tables and floors if necessary.

· Preferable if the room has a sink or access to water.

Q. How do you figure out the cost?

A. The cost is contingent on the amount of students and how many classes you have in a grade. Materials and outside firings are additional. I offer some creative funding/grant options as well. Call to discuss.

Q. How long are staff development workshops?

A. A minimum of 3 hours to a full day. It depends on the focus and needs of the teachers. i.e. hands -on, lecture, slides, technical, demonstrations and needs of the staff. I will send you a syllabus.

Q. Do you write the grants?

A. I have received many grants and usually it is the Principal, or art coordinator’s responsibility to actually write it. I will supply you with necessary supplemental material and program content. I have previous grants that can be used as a reference. Grants are not hard to write, but you must be very precise.

Q. Can you combine the hands-on and the Potter’s Wheel Demonstration programs in one day?

A. I prefer not to. It is very difficult, and the set-up for each is very different, as is the focus.