A. Hands-On programs 18 – 25 is a normal class size (preferred 60 minute per class)
Multi-cultural Potter’s Wheel Demonstration program – single classes OR
Assembly type situation double or tripled combined classes (60 – 90 students). This is not a
program where each student creates a piece like the hands on program but can have a
collaborative event that can dual as a fundraiser.
A. Yes.
Depending on the class time and size of the group students can 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.
Optional collaborative event: The students can participate in a signature vessel. All the students
come up and sign and decorate the vessel using culturally specific imagery. This will be
accomplished using scraffito techniques taught during the session.
If you do not have a kiln 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
This program is an additional cost.
A. From 4 – 5, forty-five minute sessions /day. I can also teach larger combined class groups or
assemblies, up to 120 students only for the potter’s wheel demo program. Typically larger session
require more time (minimum one hour.) Assemblies are more cost effective.
A. Most schools enjoy the intimacy of 15 – 27 students in a 45 – 60 minute period—preferred are 4
sessions/day with an extended class time of an hour or more. The extended periods are preferable
for many reasons. It allows me to accomplish so much more with the students. Most schools now
grant that additional time.
A. If you can combine two classes and manage the extra group without going into a second day, it
will only add a minimal additional cost and make the program more cost effective as well.
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. Usually the art teacher will assist.
A. Yes, we use 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. Air dried clay costs a little more but saves in glazing a firing a teacher’s labor.
A. No. I can leave my equipment over night and set up very easily in the following days.
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. The clay that I
provide allows for a successful experience.
A. Other than large assemblies I can usually teach in the art room or multipurpose space.
A. I like to create a working artist’s studio environment in the classroom. I bring samples of finished pottery, multi-cultural posters, and other visuals. Students love them. I work on a large scale on
and off the potter’s wheel, making it easy for all students 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.
A. The cost is contingent on the amount of students and number of classes per grade.
Materials and outside firings are additional. I offer some creative funding/grant options.
Call to discuss!
(914) 715-1915
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.
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. I have a great track record on receiving grants.
A. I prefer not to. The set-up for each program is very different, as is the focus. However it has
been done.
I can do large assemblies (100+), providing you have multiple screens or one large screen. I can teach one classroom at a time or multiple classrooms if they are coordinated to start at the same time with the proper supervision.
Yes. The Virtual program is fully-interactive. Students will ask me questions — and I will ask them questions. Sometimes we do polls, or pop quizzes to keep students engaged.
This also includes a downloadable checklist of arts activities and reflective writing exercises that help keep the ideas, involvement, and inquiry alive.
Zoom and Google Meet are the most popular. But I will work with your school’s technician to choose the best possible platform
The program is versatile and designed to be age appropriate. I provide an advanced version for 9th – 12th grade.
Most of the time the school will host it. The teacher can control who enters the ‘room’, start times, and any disciplinary or technical issues without interruption. I am also happy to host the program, provide you with links, etc.
Most schools prefer the extended class time of 55 – 60 minutes for a special program like this. Many schools appreciate the extended time and leave more time for Q and A. But there is the option of adhering to the normal class time ~ 45 – 50 minutes.
My more advanced programs for grades 7-12 can be longer.
Teachers, staff, and students are enthusiastic, and have commented about how they stay engaged from start to finish. I keep it fast-moving and the video and live action is professionally filmed. No time to get bored!
Yes, that is totally fine as there is always a teacher or administrator present as required.
I basically go through all the steps through detailed demonstrations that I would if I were in the classroom. The students then follow up with the teacher in the following days and weeks to do the lesson with the actual materials. I give the art teacher a lot of support to execute the program.
There is a good reason why Virtual Day in Clay is designed to command student’s full attention. Upon concluding the program, students are full of interest, creative spirit — and a surprisingly strong understanding of clay, art and culture. The arts teacher may follow with a classroom activity, and I provide full support.
I offer Virtual Day in Clay- Vessel Making, which is a hands-on full length virtual tutorial, an excellent way to prepare students for your own classroom activity.
Please see video explanation:
Day In Clay provides a hands-on art experience. Programs designed for your curriculum. Within minutes, participants are involved in the process of working with clay and learning about the relationship between art and society.
