Pottery
Pottery 1
Beginning pottery allows students to understand the many uses of clay in our everyday life and the important part it plays in our understanding of the past. Students learn the basic ways of creating ceramic forms, such as pinch, coil, slab, molds and wheel throwing. Students acquire knowledge of the stages of clay and methods of decorating and firing. Assignments include both functional and decorative objects. Through exploration of techniques, students are encouraged to express creativity, be able to communicate the intention of their work, and refine problem-solving skills.
Course Requirements: 9-12th grade
Prerequisite: None
POTTERY 2
This class concentrates on perfecting skills such as wheel throwing, combining hand building techniques, and creating pots with handles and lids. Students learn to develop ideas for pottery making and decoration through research of ceramic artists and studying the characteristics of ceramic work from various cultures. Students learn to evaluate their own work and the work of others through the artistic processes of Presenting, Responding and Connecting. Technical understanding is increased by studying kiln operation and glaze formation.
Course Requirements: 9-12th grade
Prerequisite: Pottery 1
POTTERY 3
This class offers continued development of skills and increase knowledge of pottery making techniques. Researching past and current ceramic trends allows students the opportunity to connect to a variety of creative problem solving techniques, further developing their own personal style. Through the artistic processes of Presenting, Responding and Connecting students will evaluate their own work and the work of others through oral and written communication. Production of a body of work demonstrating a personal style and craft an artist's statement will be collected for a portfolio.
Course Requirements: 10-12th grade
Prerequisite: Pottery 1 and 2
POTTERY 4
Students interested in further development of pottery can take this course. The class will focus on advanced techniques of wheel, hand built and combination forms of pottery that are both functional and nonfunctional. Students are responsible for working through the artistic processes of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting. Research of various styles, surface designs and glazing methods will allow students to fully develop their own style. Opportunities to load kilns and mix glazes allows a comprehensive understanding of a pottery studio artist. Oral and written communication through self and small group evaluation is expected. Presentation of a body of work through a digital portfolio is encouraged.
Course Requirements: 10-12th grade
Prerequisite: Pottery 1, 2 and 3