Studio in Ceramics is a one year elective art course, that introduces students to a variety of clay-forming, glazing and firing techniques. Students are also introduced to the history of many ancient and recent cultures in which ceramics, especially pottery, played a vital role. The course also engages students in their own cultural heritage and immediate cultural context as sources of subject matter for expressing their perceptions and ideas in their art work.
The goals and objectives of the Studio in Ceramics curriculum are closely aligned with the New York States Standards for the Arts:
Learning Standard #1 - Creating, Performing and Participating in the Arts: Students will make works of art that explore different kinds of subject matter, topics, themes and metaphors. Students will use a variety of art materials, processes, mediums and techniques, and use appropriate technologies for creating and exhibiting visual works of art.
The Studio in Ceramics curriculum emphasizes the creation of art works that are made using techniques introduced in a sequential manner. Students are first introduced to pinching and coiling techniques, which are fundamental, and later to more advanced slab construction and wheel throwing techniques. (see display case on index page)
Learning Standard #2 - Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources: Students will be knowledgable about and make use of the materials and resources available for participation in the arts in various roles. Students will be aware of vocational options available in the visual arts.
Students in Studio in Ceramics are introduced to a wide variety of resources, such as ceramics publications and Internet sites, that inform them of the many opporunities for participating in ceramics exhibitions and workshops. High caliber ceramists are invited each year to conduct workshops in the ceramics classroom. Among the artists that have conducted workshops in recent years are Margie Hughto, David MacDonald, Henry Gerhardt, Errol Willett, Neil Tetkowski, Marc Leuthold, Ruska Valkova and Bill Potts.
Learning Standard #3 - Responding to and Analyzing Works of Art: Students will respond to a variety of works in the arts, connecting the individual work to other works and to other aspects of human endeavor and thought. Students will reflect on, interpret and evaluate works of art, using the language of art criticism.
Studio in Ceramics students are expected to reflect upon and evaluate their work at the conclusion of each project. At the end of the school year, students reflect on their accomplishments and write an essay that describes the aesthetic and thematic aspects of their best work. Their essay also compares their chosen piece to an example made by a known ceramist or culture that they have researched. Using their understanding of the elements and principles of art, their knowledge of ceramic technology and their perceptions of the themes and ideas communicated by their chosen art examples, students describe the similarities and differences between their chosen examples. Students present their research and reflections to their classmates in order to expand their classmates' awareness of the aesthetic and critical issues that pervade the history of ceramics, especially the contemporary scene.
Learning Stantard #4: Understanding the Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of the Arts: Students will develop an understanding of the personal and cultural forces that shape artistic communication and how the arts in turn shape the diverse cultures of past and present society.
Students in Studio in Ceramics are introduced to the ceramics arts from a wide variety of cultures from the ancient past to the present. A cultural and historical component accompanies each assigned project. Students have recently been introduced to a more in-depth study of Japanese culture and ceramics upon the return of their ceramics teacher, Mr. Eichler from his Tour of Japan.