Past projects 13
Let's Get Glazing!
Funded Mar 14, 2016Dear Donors,
Before your donation, these children had never had any experience working with clay or ceramics. Right now, everything is new to them; the materials, the processes and techniques, especially the final product. I love hearing students use the new ceramics related vocabulary they are learning: "Did you remember to score and slip that piece?" "That clay hasn't been wedged yet."
I am writing this letter in early November as my art classes are in the process of glazing their first ceramics projects: ceramic dishes in the shape of fish and pinch pots decorated with textures, patterns and even faces! As students apply glaze to their bisque fired pieces they excitedly talk about their plans for this first ceramic artwork: "I'm giving my pinch pot to my mom." "I'm going to eat off of my dish!" "Mine is going to be a decoration." They also have plans for their next piece: "I'm going to make a vase." "I want to make a whole set of these cups." "Can we make statues of animals next?"
Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to build a well-equipped, well-stocked, sequential ceramics program where students can learn and grow as artists for years to come!”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by #BestSchoolDay and one other donor.Drying Rack
Funded Aug 25, 2016Words are inadequate to convey what a huge impact your donation has had on our students. We received the drying rack at the beginning of the school year and put it to use almost immediately. The students were curious about how it works so I showed four students in each class how to raise and lower the shelves and stack the pieces of wet artwork. These four students became the first "drying rack monitors," then they taught the rest of their class how to use our new piece of equipment. Our art room is productive now as every class can paint and glue and we have no problem storing the work safely as it dries.”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.KEVA + MATH = ART
Funded May 20, 2016Words are inadequate to convey what a huge impact your donation has had on our students. We received the KEVA planks near the end of the school year but I made sure every art student, from K through 4th grade had at least one class period to work with KEVA. Students worked alone first, to see how creative they could be with 25 planks, I photographed their structures, then students worked with a partner and 50 planks. Finally students formed larger groups and collaborated on one design problem; at each stage I photographed their work.
Watching the students build, experience a "lightbulb moment," dismantle and rebuild has brought unexpected pleasure and satisfaction to me as the teacher. I have had some students say, "I am not good at art - I like math better." and vice-versa. So I challenged the class to build a structure where they need to use math principles.
One of the most amazing effects that your gift has had is on my special ed art students. Many students in this class have difficulty sitting still and focusing on one task. When I challenged them with a KEVA project every student settled down, concentrated and worked for an extended period of time!
I am planning future KEVA lessons with all grade levels because of the students enthusiasm and KEVA's limitless, open ended possibilities.”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 2 other donors.