Day in Clay is COVID-19 compliant with school districts in the tri-state area

Testimonials from PTA and Arts Teachers

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Native American Vessel Making

Dear Cliff, Thank you so much for an amazing “Day in Clay”. The students loved it and so did Mrs. Krakoff and Mr. K. I knew they were into it when they both made their own pieces during the last class. This has by far been the most rewarding program I have brought to East Lake and I was overjoyed with the results. Thank you so much for all that you did for the students! They now have memories to last them a lifetime.
Doris Smith
PTA - East Lake Elementary School, Massapequa, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Students were very motivated and engaged. Fast pace format kept students attentive and focused. He adapted the delivery of information to various audience and students.
Kathleen O’Connor
Art Teacher - Van Cortlandtville Elementary School, Lakeland, NY.
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Native American Vessel Making

Students learned so much during this event. They watched intently as Cliff did his demonstration, and they loved that they were able to create their own piece. They are still talking about the information that Cliff taught them!”
Art Teacher
@ Lincoln-Titus Elementary School, Cortland, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Mr. Mendelson is knowledgeable and exhibits exclusive craftsmanship through his demonstrations and teaching manner. Students express gratitude and would like to have Mr. Mendelson back to IEYMS. Students and staff had a great learning experience.
Isabel Moldonado
Art Teacher - Issac Young Middle School, New Rochelle, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Cliff does a wonderful job keeping the students engaged. Students used techniques by Cliff to enhance the 3D ceramics curriculum. Thanks Cliff- another great Year at Jefferson
Paolo Fiorini
Art teacher - Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, New Rochelle, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to put together all those great photos for our students. I truly appreciate your attention to details. You are a pleasure to work with. All the best to you with the remainder of the school year and I thank you again for everything
Michael Cravello
Music and Arts coordinator, Port Jefferson, NY School District.
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff. The pleasure was all ours. Thank you for presenting a well-prepared, valuable program to our 4th graders. I am so glad we were able to make this happen. Let's be in touch and see if we can do something else together in the near future. All the Best
Michael Acravello
Music and Arts coordinator, Port Jefferson, NY School District.
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff I cannot thank you enough for such a wonderful day yesterday, you are amazing, and I cannot wait to work with you again hopefully next year! All the students were talking about how awesome it was... I cannot thank you enough!
Shari Hipschman
Art Teacher - Clifton Elementary School, Clifton NJ.
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Native American Vessel Making

Thank you very much, my son in Mr. Kennedy's class really enjoyed himself. You got high praises and we look forward to another program with you next year!
Megan Garver
PTA – Gayhead Elementary School, Hopewell Jct. NY.
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Native American Vessel Making

Cliff Thank you so much! You did a GREAT job! The kids loved every minute! I am so glad we were able to continue the tradition!!!
Emily Moore
Art Teacher – Lincoln Park Elementary School, Lincoln Park, NJ.
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff Hi Emily! Yesterday was such a blast. Thank you for including me on such a special event. I have a full couple days ahead, but just shared some of the images to the yearbook editor. Once I get permission, I can upload everything to Drobox for you Cliff. I just need to edit and shazam some of the images. LOL! Have a great week
Biata Doyle
PTA -– Lincoln Park Elementary School, Lincoln Park, NJ.
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, Thank you so much for the wonderful Day-In-Clay experience. The students truly enjoyed the program. They all wish that you were back today!!! We are continuing the pots and we'll be painting them after our break. I will send you pictures when they are complete. Talk to you soon! Michele
Mrs. Michele Rizzi
Art Teacher - Spring Garden Middle School, Nutley, NJ
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, I was just about to email you to thank you for your wonderful program! We did get a lot of wonderful feedback on it and we are all looking forward to seeing you again earlier next year. I know Ken is pretty excited to do those tiles and we have already been discussing places to hang them. Thank you for everything! Sharing your high level of expertise and knowledge was a great privilege for both my students and myself!!! Talk soon, enjoy and have a safe trip to Europe.
Jacquie Dubarry
Art Teacher – Eugene Auer Elementary School, Lake Grove, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Dear Cliff: Just put them up on the bulletin board outside the art room for all to see! I am also uploading the DVD pics to my teacher page and our media specialist will link it from our Harrison home page too! Thank You! Thank You! It all looks fantastic! Great working and collaborating with you as always.
Dolly Mendes
Art Teacher - Harrison Elementary School, Livingston, N
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, It was a real pleasure having you. Thank you again for coming to Barnard and doing the great work that you did with our students. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Dr. Cracco
Principal – Barnard Early Childhood Center, New Rochelle, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Thanks, so much Cliff. The program was extraordinarily successful, and the kids loved every minute of it. You were so engaging, and the quick paced activities were so perfect. The kids made wonderful pieces of artwork and had a great time learning and creating. Thanks again for a great day.
Ruthelyn Elkin☮
PTA, Mount Pleasant Elem. Livingston, NJ
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African Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, Thanks so much for a great program. The whole process really surpassed any expectations I had. I don't have any of the other photos yet, so just make it with what you have. Could you possibly upload them for me on the google drive I sent to you or share your file with me. Thanks so much for everything
Margaux Frankel
Art Teacher – Cos Cob Elementary School, Cos Cob, Ct.
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Native American Vessel Making

What a blast the last 2 days have been......you have such a gift.... thank you, thank you, thank you. The kids are still talking about what a great time they had today...... Yes, we received the posters. They are being framed to hang on the third floor. Thanks, they are awesome! Keep in touch
Judy Klein
Arts Teacher - Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Lyndhurst, NJ
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff! Thank you so much again for such a fun and uplifting Day in Clay. As you may have seen, the students enjoyed every minute of the program. Cannot wait to see the slideshow!!Thank you so much again!
Julia Fizzinoglia
Art Teacher - Judy Jacobs Parkway Elementary / JFK High School, Plainview, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Dear Mr. Mendelson, What a pleasure it was having you at our school and sharing your talents with the students. It was a joy seeing them create their clay pieces as you guided them through the process. We just received the posters in the mail. They are gorgeous. We certainly will be framing them and putting them on display. I hope we will be able to partner again in the near future. All the best for a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year
Howard Merims
Principal - Harold D. Fayette School, Merrick, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff - I just received the posters from you! They are great!!!Thank you!!! I put both up on the wall outside the art room - the kids will really enjoy looking at them!
Nancy Moskowitz
Art Teacher – Hamilton Ave Elementary School, Greenwich CT.
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Native American Vessel Making

Thank you so very much for the beautiful posters. there hanging outside of my room!
Jackie Duberry
Art Teacher, Berry Hill Elementary School, Syosset, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Thank you so much, Cliff! It is always a pleasure to have you visit. The pictures are great---wonderful to see the students so engaged and hands-on. Their faces tell all!! Enjoy your summer!
Lisa Marie Contarino
Principal - New Lane Memorial Elementary School
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Native American Vessel Making

Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. What a great day of learning and creativity for our youngsters!
Mi Jung An
Principal - Little Tor Elementary School, New City, NY.
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, I just wanted to thank you so much for your visit. The kids had a great time and were so proud of the pieces they made. I am always amazed at how much you get done in such a short session! I made a note for myself to speak with Josh and our new art director early in the year about booking A Day in Clay. So, we will be in touch again. Also, I received the posters, they are fantastic! I cannot wait to hang them up. Have a fantastic summer. I certainly am really looking forward to it. best to you,
Michele Frimmer
Art Teacher - Old Bethpage School & Kindergarten Center, Old Bethpage, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Cliff: You were great--I enjoyed the day and I know the kids did--I will hear all about it today from them--I will check with the office today to make sure they got your paperwork. All the best
Susan Cowles
Art Teacher - Westlake Middle School, Pleasantville, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, Thank you for directing the students to make this great pieces. So far, I only heard incredibly positive feedback from students.
Sandra Reilly
PTA - Lloyd Elementary School. Cold Spring Harbor, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, It was great meeting you today. What amazing time!! You really had those kids working. I think they were enjoying making the masks. You unleashed their creativity. I will be in touch as soon as I have an idea of what we want to do next year. You will be back.
Sandra Reilly
PTA - Lloyd Elementary School. Cold Spring Harbor, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, Thank you for directing the students to make this great pieces. So far, I only heard incredibly positive feedback from students.
Sandra Reilly
PTA - Lloyd Elementary School. Cold Spring Harbor, NY
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Native American Vessel Making

Hi Cliff, It was great meeting you today. What amazing time!! You really had those kids working. I think they were enjoying making the masks. You unleashed their creativity. I will be in touch as soon as I have an idea of what we want to do next year. You will be back.
Sandra Reilly
PTA - Lloyd Elementary School. Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Fund Raisers

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Fundraising

Well, you may get a chance to sign them if you want! The pots were such a hit when kids started seeing them, that some parents were upset they were going to auction them at BINGO night when only about 1/4 of the parents would be present. So, they pulled them, and are redoing the auction to get more parents a chance to bid. I will tell you the details they come up with when they inform me next week 🙂 Let me know if you want to sign them, and I will inform the office of our plan. Thanks again for all the hard work that made the pots such a hot item!
Laura Pestone
PTA - West Nyack Elem School, W. Nyack, NY
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Fundraising

Thank you, Cliff for a wonderful cross-curricular day learning about Art History, Science, Language Arts, and Math all through Art! The students really loved the program and I will send pictures after they have painted their sculptures. All best
Grace Kim
Visual Arts Teacher - Haworth Public School, Haworth, NJ.

Special Needs Students

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Special Needs

Dear Cliff I wanted to get back to you and tell you that the program worked out great. It was so good that you could address all the grade levels and varied disability needs as well. The looks on their faces were priceless as they were so proud to accomplish what they did. It was good that we did the extended sessions for them and thanks for your help in the kiln set up and firing instruction.
Mary Jones
Art teacher, New York School for the Deaf. White Plains, NY

Potter’s Wheel in the Classroom

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Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Hi Cliff, First, I wanted to tell you what a wonderful program you brought to our school last year. The children and staff really enjoyed the program. The kids were so happy and proud of how the vessels turned out and the picture slide show was great! We would really like to have you come back this coming school year to work with our 3rd graders again. I would like to book January 7th if your available. If not, any other day that week or the next, except for the 5th, 14th, and the 16th. I look forward to speaking with you.
Tara Simons
PTA President – New City Elementary School, New City, NY
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Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

I want to thank CHEF for granting us the money for Cliff Mendelson’s Day in Clay – Multi-cultural Potter’s Wheel Demonstration Program. It was truly inspirational. It was wonderful to watch the students’ jaws drop in awe as Cliff Mendelson threw giant vessels on the wheel. He shared the history of pottery and the many cultures that use this medium as he worked. It is experiences like this one that students will remember for years to come
Wendy Armstrong
Fine Art Teacher - Croton Harmon Education foundation Croton, NY
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Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Hi Cliff, First, I wanted to tell you what a wonderful program you brought to our school last year. The children and staff really enjoyed the program. The kids were so happy and proud of how the vessels turned out and the picture slide show was great! We would really like to have you come back this coming school year to work with our 3rd graders again. . I look forward to speaking with you. Thank you,
Tara Simons
PTA President – New City Elementary School, New City, NY

Assembly Multicultural Potter’s
Wheel Program

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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Hi Cliff,We were talking about you today! All good. We loved last year's program and how your teaching and the experience resonated with every grade. It was a pleasure to behold. The only "issue" was that every child in every grade wanted a chance at that wheel! This year, we are looking at different programs and mediums, but we will not forget you and would love to have you back at another time after a few other rotations. We will also be happy to recommend you to other elementary schools in the district. Thank you very much for keeping in touch. We do have the utmost confidence in your programs.
Nancy Loomis
PTA - Veteran Memorial Elem. Ridgefield, CT.
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

This morning my 6 year old was talking about the function of objects and asked me if I knew what air bubbles were...my 9 year old chimed in, "yeah if you don't get the air out there may be an explosion when you heat the clay in the oven." I believe all the kids took away new ideas, information, and inspiration from the assemblies! Looking forward to the compilation of photos.
Leah
PTA, East Elementary School, Long Beach, NY
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Thank you so much! They had such a great time; my fifth graders were asking me all about pottery and using the wheel. I promised to bring stuff I did in college. It was a wonderful demonstration. Thanks again.
Stephanie Kornacki
Art Teacher-East Elementary School, Long Beach, NY
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Thank you, Cliff,!!! I believe it was a valuable experience for the students! We look forward to future programs!
Kathy Connolly
Principal - East Elementary School, Long Beach, NY
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Thanks Cliff, I am hearing good things especially from the toughest critics, my kids!
Leah Enfield
PTA president - East Elementary School, Long Beach, NY
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

The kids are still talking about the assembly! And I am still in shock about how quiet they were! They loved it! I got so much positive feedback... All the teachers want a workshop...I will see what I can do for next year.
Kim Menke
Art teacher - Hamilton Elementary School Glen Rock, New Jersey
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Art teacher - Hamilton Elementary School Glen Rock, New Jersey
Mrs. Charissa Hudson
Art Teacher, John Y. Dater School, Ramsey, NJ
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Cliff, Good morning! I did not formally have a chance to say thank you for an amazing day in clay on Friday! I have heard nothing but positive accolades regarding the assemblies from teachers and students! I was asked to write a brief overview of the day for the local paper, so if you don't mind I may go back and look over your press releases and quote you within the article:) Have a great day ahead and thanks again for a well-run Gretchen Dater Arts celebration!
Mrs. Charissa Hudson
Art Teacher, John Y. Dater School, Ramsey, NJ
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Art teacher - Hamilton Elementary School Glen Rock, New Jersey
Mrs. Charissa Hudson
Art Teacher, John Y. Dater School, Ramsey, NJ
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Cliff, Good morning! I did not formally have a chance to say thank you for an amazing day in clay on Friday! I have heard nothing but positive accolades regarding the assemblies from teachers and students! I was asked to write a brief overview of the day for the local paper, so if you don't mind I may go back and look over your press releases and quote you within the article:) Have a great day ahead and thanks again for a well-run Gretchen Dater Arts celebration!
Mrs. Charissa Hudson
Art Teacher, John Y. Dater School, Ramsey, NJ
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

Yes, we received the posters. They are being framed to hang on the third floor. Thanks, they are awesome!
Judy Klein
Coordinator, Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Lyndhurst, NJ.
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Assembly - Multicultural Potter’s Wheel

We received the color photo posters and the slide show. Absolutely fabulous. Great program and effort. Students loved seeing a real artist at work. Thank you for your hard work! Warmly, Angela
Angela Wan
PTA, Denton Ave Elem School, Searingtown, NY

African Masks

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African Mask Making

Hi Cliff, Thank you again for such a wonderful program at our school. We would very much like to have you come back to visit with our 5th graders again in 2015. We would be looking for dates in January if you have any available. I look forward to getting something set-up soon.
Wendy Ross
PTA- Cos Cob Elem. Cos Cob, CT
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African Mask Making

Hi Cliff, It was so nice to finally meet you yesterday! I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how much we appreciate your working it out so that you could come on the 21st. I really enjoyed seeing your program firsthand and look forward to having you back again next year.
Wendy Ross
PTA - Cos Cob Elem. School, Greenwich, CT.
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African Mask Making

Dear Ms. Fleck and Ms. Krasner and PTA members, Thanks for your work and dedication as co-chairs of Greenville's Cultural Arts Committee. We are very appreciative of the wonderful lessons the committee brings to our students. Our 3rd graders have directly benefitted from the knowledge the visiting artist, Cliff Mendelson, brings to his lessons here at Greenville. We have been able to directly link our homerooms' social studies content about world communities to his informative, creative lessons in the art room. His collection of world masks (as seen in the photo, on display at the start of his first lesson this morning), is quite remarkable. The mask-making he and Mrs. DeLuca guide the children through is one of the year's most treasured experiences. We look forward to many future visits with Mr. Mendelson.
Classroom teachers
Greenville Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY
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African Mask Making

The kids are still talking about the assembly! And I am still in shock about how quiet they were! They loved it! I got so much positive feedback... All the teachers want a workshop...I will see what I can do for next year.
Kim Menke
Art teacher - Hamilton Elementary School Glen Rock, New Jersey
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African Mask Making

THANK YOU.....THANK YOU.......THANK YOU.....What a great day...... It was awesome.... Talk to you soon
Kathie
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African Mask Making

Hi Cliff!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for such a great day last week!!!
Kathleen Ferrara
Arts Teacher - Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Lyndhurst, NJ
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African Mask Making

Hi Cliff, didn't get that final good bye hug, but it was a bit hot for it anyway! thank you again this year for a fabulous day with the students of TJ! I appreciate so much how greatly you add to their experience of ART! Hope the trip home was safe and swift! and I hope to see you next year!
Pauline Halim
Art Teacher - Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Yorktown, NY
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African Mask Making

Wonderful! Thank you so much, Cliff. I know the boys enjoyed the experience very much. Happy Holidays! Katie (Please, call me Katie) 🙂
Katie Signer
Headmaster – Brunswick Lower School, Greenwich, CT.
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African Mask Making

Thanks Cliff! It was fun, and I know the kids loved it. I was so impressed to see how they learned to create 3’d masks in a 90 minute session. Hope we can do it again next year
Ms. DuBarry
Art Teacher - Eugene Auer Elementary School, Lake Grove, NY

Ceramic Design / Advanced Class

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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

Cliff is very enthusiastic, creative, professional artist and potter. He was well prepared with wonderful visuals and historic examples of Greek vases. Cliff is a complete pleasure and I would highly recommend him.
Greek Potter’s
Wheel large vessel making program@ New Rochelle High School
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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

Thank you so much for everything! I really do not know where to begin. First, the time you spent in our school was such an amazing experience for everyone who had the opportunity to participate in the assembly. It was unique for us and something that we hope to expose our younger students to as well as making it an annual event. It was a wonderful that you took the time and energies to provide us with the photos. You really captured the essence of the day! Thirdly, thank you so much for the completed “vessels”! They are amazing! We will display them in the main office and consider using them as fundraisers as you suggested. - Brian Stiles, Chief Academic Officer
Brian Stiles
Head of School - Golden Door Charter School, Jersey City, NJ
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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

Head of School - Golden Door Charter School, Jersey City, NJ
Eola Dzantieva
PTO – Demarest Middle School, Demarest, NJ.
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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

Hi Cliff Thank you again for making this work for our students. When I popped in for a moment, all the students (and myself) were intrigued! I will be working with Liz to see if next year's budget can get you back. Thanks again!
Laura White
Supervisor, K-12 Fine and Performing Arts East Hartford CT Public Schools
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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

Long time no speak. I am sorry for being out of touch. Once Artist-in-Residence had passed, I became consumed with new and other projects. Anyway ... just to follow up ... we auctioned off 2 of the vases at the Auction and then raffled the remaining 2 at the Art Show and overall made $200+. I know that does not match other schools' earnings, but we were happy, and we think it's good for Ridgefield. At the Auction, all the big-ticket items are experiences, i.e. Principal for a Day, Soccer Practice with the Gym Teacher, that kind of thing. Anyway, we did get a very nice article in the Ridgefield Press several weeks ago and I will send you a copy. Great picture and right on the front page of the People section. Here is a link to the online version. http://www.theridgefieldpress.com/43871/molding-minds-and-clay/ And finally, as you already know ... the kids loved your program. At our recent Art Night—where we displayed the vases and posters—I heard from lots of parents who told us how enthusiastic their kids were and how they want to go to a pottery summer camp. Quick question for you, Cliff ... I think that you were going to finish up a bowl for the school for display and memories. Maybe we can figure out a time/place for a handoff so that you do not have to travel all the way back to Ridgefield. Let me know what you think! And enjoy the sunshine.
Art Teacher
Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, CT.
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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

Hi Cliff, this too was such an enriching experience for our students. I have always struggled on the wheel since college, and we were all mesmerized by your effortless techniques on the wheel. The students are all asking to get on the wheel, and a few have already made a few pieces which is really exciting to me as their ceramic teacher. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise with our school, it was great! Hope to see you soon, Liz
Elisabeth Pertesis
Art Teacher - East Hartford, High School Art, CT.
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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

As you saw, this place has been nuts....that day was especially crazy due to the fact that our senior show was that evening and there were some students who were irresponsible and didn't come to school that day. The students who took part in your workshop were so impressed and engaged, and we have had some nice conversation since. We are still wrapping up the surface decoration of the sea creatures, and when they are complete, I will send you more pics. Until then, I just uploaded a bunch of pics to your google drive from my shooting that day. Have a great weekend and thank you again! It was great to work with you, and I hope we get a chance again in the future!
Christine Oswald
Cultural Arts Coordinator - Cold Spring High School
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Ceramic 3D Design / advanced

Hi Cliff, Thanks so much for our "Day in Clay". My AP Art History students enjoyed it so. The students who took part in your workshop were so impressed and engaged. They are fascinated with throwing on the wheel and it was great they were able to have that kind of professional dialogue with you throughout the program. They have been making sea creatures and adding to their pot. Should look great when it is complete. Enjoy your summer. Thanks again for a fabulous day.
Laura Cirino
Art teacher - Cold Spring Harbor High School, NY

Greek Vessel Making

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Greek Vessel making

Dear Cliff Just wanted to thank you for coming to teach the 6th grade. The Greek vessel making program tied right into their curriculum. I was extremely impressed by all the Greek pottery examples that you brought as well as the high-level instruction that inspired them to create the pieces, they did in such a short amount of time.
Jennifer Stachini
PTA president, Polk Elementary School, Franklin Square, NY
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Greek Vessel making

Thanks so much for the Greek Vessel making workshop. Students were engaged and excited and made some nice pieces. Loved the way you showed them handles and all the various elements of design that go in to creating a pot like this.
Kim Kilcoyne
Art teacher, Seely Place Elementary School, Edgemont, NY

Arts Night Celebration

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Arts Celebration

Hi Cliff, Thanks for all the photos and for everything. You were a big hit at our event, and I am sure we will have you back next year. A million thanks!
Paul Farinacci
Art Teacher - Shaw Elem. School, Valley Stream, NY
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Gifted and Talented MS

Cliff! YOU ARE a class act! THANK YOU for the beautiful posters, kind letters, and DVD! The presentation was top notch but to receive the ongoing support is even MORE impressive! I hope we can work together next year! We are still glazing and hope to fire the first round this weekend. Many thanks!
Jeff Labriola
Art Teacher - Christopher Columbus Middle School, Clifton, NJ.

Vessel making and Potter's Wheel Assembly fundraiser

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Fundraiser - Vessel making and Wheel Assembly

Well, you may get a chance to sign them if you want! The pots were such a hit when kids started seeing them, that some parents were upset they were going to auction them at BINGO night when only about 1/4 of the parents would be present. So, they pulled them, and are redoing the auction to get more parents a chance to bid. I will tell you the details they come up with when they inform me next week 🙂 Let me know if you want to sign them, and I will inform the office of our plan. Thanks again for all the hard work that made the pots such a hot item!
Laura Pestone
PTA - West Nyack Elem School, W. Nyack, NY
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Fundraiser - Vessel making and Wheel Assembly

Thank you, Cliff for a wonderful cross-curricular day learning about Art History, Science, Language Arts, and Math all through Art! The students really loved the program and I will send pictures after they have painted their sculptures.
Grace Kim
Visual Arts Teacher - Haworth Public School, Haworth, NJ.

Tile Making and murals

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Tile making and Mural

Hi there...I did one firing and they look awesome! I can only fit one class at a time so it will take a few but the first batch really came out nice. I had the boys spend one whole class time (50 minutes) painting the tiles with the underglazes and boy, does it make a difference when they take their time. I will send photos when I get a chance. We are not off next week but have Monday off...I'll take it!
Kim Amussen
Art Teacher - Brunswick Lower School, Greenwich, CT
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Tile making and Mural

Just texted you a picture - it looks amazing! We are so grateful for your time and expertise! It looks like it is just going to be revealed now as it is communion weekend today and next weekend. I am working on the plaque. I will send you some better, updated photos next week.
Cori Scalzo
PTA – Saint Joseph School, Bronxville, NY.
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Tile making and Mural

Everyone loves it...great job Cliff! I love this project We'll do more if you're up to it! I have to say: not having to wedge and roll out clay slabs with the kids is priceless!!!! You're demos were so great too!!! My students were so excited to see the tile mural permanent installation
Heather Graessle
Art Teacher - Copper Beech Middle School Yorktown, NY
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Tile making and Mural

Hi Cliff, I cannot thank you enough for your work with our students this week. it looks amazing! We are so grateful for your time and expertise! It was such a great experience for me as well. I really enjoyed working with you and was so impressed with your program. You were so incredible with the kids and got them to produce such amazing ceramic tile work!! I am excited about getting the tiles mounted and displayed and will look forward to collaborating with you on this process.
Cori
PTA President - St. Joseph School, Bronxville, NY

Interdisiplinary

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Interdisiplinary

A fabulous day of mask making with African drumming. A real expansion on broadening the clay experience and cultural knowledge
Dr. Gagliardi
Principal - Jefferson Elementary School, Yorktown, NY
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Interdisiplinary

Dear Cliff, What a hit this program was. The principal and all the teachers, staff and students were so impressed with how the whole program culminated into the ceramic masks display and the whole drumming performance to follow. You and Kofi are quite a team and it was so fulfilling to see the students so engaged. Thanks again
Wendy Armstrong
Art Teacher, PVC Middle School, Croton on Hudson, NY

Staff Development

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Staff Development

The staff workshop was the greatest. Everyone had a fantastic time! We want you to come back next year with your wheel and go to some of our other schools.
George Vollano
Arts Director - School District of Stamford CT.
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Staff Development

Hi Cliff I had the privilege of taking your class on our PD day Monday at Clifton High School and I was trying to get the ball rolling to maybe have you come to our school sometime this Spring...Not definite yet but I would just like to know approximately how much it would cost so I can get an idea of what I can do with them. Maybe a basic price list kind of thing. Thank you
Shari Hipschman
Art Teacher - Clifton Public Schools #12, Clifton, NJ
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Staff Development

Cliff, Thank you for putting on such a wonderful workshop that clearly had every child actively engaged and wide-eyed. I appreciate you coming out to work with the art students of Clifton, and I look forward to potentially having you do the same with our art teachers one day in the future. Thanks, and all my very best
Jason Leshowitz
District Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts - Clifton, NJ
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Staff Development

Cliff Mendelson has been teaching us a great diversity of technique and exciting ways to work with clay. Even in my 3rd year I am always learning something new that I can bring into my classroom. This is a diverse group of non-art teachers from K to 12th grade and he managed to keep them excited while learning something outside of their normal disciplines and made it relevant. Looking forward to next year.
Kim Kilcoyne
Art teacher - Scarsdale Teachers Institute, Scarsdale, NY.

Virtual Day in Clay

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Virtual Day In Clay

Sadly, Cliff had to adapt to our current circumstances, and I must admit I was a bit skeptical about the interest level, but he really did an outstanding job! The students were captivated by his interesting and highly informative webinar. It was terrific and well done. The webinar was seamless. A great interactive art experience for the students
Art Teacher
Multicultural potter’s wheel and design - Plaza Elementary School, Baldwin, NY
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Virtual Day In Clay

After teaching art for over a decade in almost every setting possible, I thought I had seen it all; but I was wrong. Cliff Mendelson's "Day in Clay" was an incredible, immersive, educational, and exhilarating experience! I am so grateful that the Baldwin School district has asked him to come and work with our students every year for many years, as they look forward to "clay day" very much. Sadly, this year with school closures due to Covid-19, Cliff was not able to come in person for "clay day". That did not stop him. He adapted his program and did everything virtually including giving students a tour of his studio, talking about his process, and letting them obtain a "hands- on" experience in the comforts of their own homes. I would recommend a "Day in Clay" to any administration, personnel, and art faculty. Thank you.
Alyssa Kurtzberg
Art Teacher - Plaza Elementary School, Baldwin School District