NEWS
Language Concepts Students Create with Clay at Local Studio
On July 28, the Language Concepts students were invited to the home and art studio of one of M.E.D.’s students, Sam Bartlett. Sam’s father Barry is a Professor of Visual Arts at Bennington College, NY and creates assemblages of clay figures and objects. His work was recently exhibited at the John Davis Gallery in Hudson. Sam's mother, Elizabeth Zawada Bartlett, is also an exhibiting artist and creates abstract paintings using a variety of materials and processes.
The children began with a tour of the Bartlett’s home where they viewed and touched clay items that are an integral part of the home (i.e., tiles, tables, sink, etc). Next, Sam’s parents showed the children sculptures, mugs, cups, pitchers, etc. while talking about the attributes and history of these items.
After a tour of the Bartlett's art studio, where they viewed two different kilns, the children then had a chance to use clay. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett taught the students a number of techniques to use while working with the clay, how to use a variety of tools, and how to make impressions in the clay. The children made pinch bowls and pots, plates and a number of their own creations. One of the highlights for the children was watching and helping to throw a pot on an electric potter’s wheel. The children’s work will be returned to them after they are fired.