Feburary - News from the Art Studio

We have been playing in the mud!
All Hanawalt artists have been working with mud (clay) in the art Studio. Each grade builds on previously learned techniques as they create their own sculptures.
And, did I mention how much fun it is?


Kindergarten Artists roll the clay into a ball and create a pinch pot by pushing down in the middle and pinching around the edges. A variety of tools are used to make impressions in the clay pot.


First Grade Artists roll out their clay into slabs. Symmetrical shapes are cut out of the slabs and impressions added to the surface. These works of art will become hanging pieces.


Second and Third Grade Artists review how to create a pinch pot and slab and learn how to make a coil. They learn about a pinch and pull technique to add extensions to their sculpture. Each artist uses the techniques to create their own sculptures.


Fourth Grade Artists learn how to slip and score to add extensions to their sculptures. Using this technique and what they have already learned, students are given the opportunity to design and create their own individual works.


Fifth Grade Artists form a pinch pot and slab, and attach a coil to create a whistle. Each artist can complete their whistle in a variety of ways, adding detail through carving, glazing, or adding additional pieces of clay to recreate the shape of the whistle.


Ceramics has its own unique language and the students learn new vocabulary:
wedge, coil, slab, kiln, fire, greenware, bisque, glaze, slip, score, impression, pinch

Thank you for saving and sending your recyclables to the art studio!

The children absolutely love working with recyclable materials, and it is so good for their imagination. They are always excited to see what is in the ‘blue bins’ we have in the art studio!
We are also in need of Gerber plastic baby food containers. They are rectangular in shape and have a snap on lid. If you have a little one at home and use this brand of food, please consider sending the empty containers to us.