@@@UPDATE@@@   We now have $8,500 of our $30,000 goal of purchasing 2 large front-loading electric kilns.  Not only would the raised amount pay for the Kilns, Tax, Delivery, and Installation, but also ensure we are getting the best for our money, an investment that will last for the next 3 decades. 

Q: "Why do you need Electric Kilns if you have the large Gas Kiln?"  Great question!  Like having a toaster, a microwave, and a stove at home, a well-rounded ceramics program has different kilns for different applications.  At AHS, we fire clay to 2200 degrees F.  This level of heat is called "Cone 5."  At cone 5, clay can finally "vitrify," becoming water-tight for vases and dish-ware.  Therefore, if students want to make cups, bowls, and plates that are deemed 'food-safe', the pre-fire step (called the 'Bisque 'Fire) needs to efficiently burn out all of the contaminates (like carbon) in the clay.  If not, gasses can escape through tiny pinholes in the glaze-fire phase.  These tiny pinholes can allow bacteria to form and make the ware unusable.  All and all, the electric kilns, as described below, are the best at Bisque Firing, and are the way to go for a large high school program with beginning students. 

CERAMICS 1

4150 CERAMICS 1A / 4151 CERAMICS 1B
(Year) Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

UC Approved

Ceramics allows the student to explore the properties of clay and glazes in activities that include clay modeling, slab construction, coil building, carving, extruding clay, firing and glazing bisqueware. Class projects engage the student in the principles of design, working from observation and the imagination. The criteria for each project require the use of problem-solving strategies that promote creative modes of thinking. Class activities address a basic application of art fundamentals. Students will examine the origins of pottery and study contemporary ceramists whose works have deviated from traditional forms in clay.

CERAMICS 2

Prerequisite:  Completion of Ceramics 1 with a college qualifying grade of “C” or higher or instructor approval.

4152 CERAMICS 2A
4153 CERAMICS 2B
(Year) Sophomore, Junior, Senior

UC Approved

Ceramics 2 provides an opportunity to develop in-depth skills on the potter’s wheel and promotes a number of creative approaches to designing clay sculpture. Students will use basic hand-building techniques to create more refined, complex objects. Both traditional and recently developed glazes are used to finish clay projects. Students will examine and analyze the works of selected ceramists and investigate cultural traditions in ceramics.

As you can imagine, the equipment-needs of a Ceramics program are costly.  The rewards for students, however, are tremendous!   We are always looking to partner-up with small businesses, corporations, charitable organizations, and community members for matching-donations, classroom grants, and/or gifts to the program.   At a time when we are likely to see huge educational cuts across the state, it is the donors, grant providers, and community who are sending a loud-and-clear message that the Arts are essential!