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Kid’s Clayworks: Functional Pottery

Time: March 6, 2025 @ 4:15 pm - 5:45 pm
Number of Classes/Day: 6 Thursdays
End Date: April 10
Register By: March 4
Venue: May Carter Pottery Studio
Cost: $120

Learn how to make functional pottery in this clay class at the Academy Center of the Arts! Designed for ages 5-9, this festive class invites young artists to craft a Berry Bowl, a Soap Holder, a Toothbrush Holder, a Spoon Rest and a Mug. Under the guidance of instructors Lesley Burks and Brie Falwell, students will explore various clay techniques while creating functional, usable pottery, aligning with SOLs 1.16 (applying a variety of media, materials, techniques, and processes to create artwork) and 2.15 (refining motor skills to create two- and three-dimensional works of art). This hands-on class is perfect for sparking creativity and building artistic skills!

Instructors: Lesley Burks

 

Lesley Burks

Lesley is a Lynchburg local who started pottery classes at the ACOA three years ago in search of a creative outlet. Since then, she has developed an interest in crafting ceramics and has cheerfully participated in classes and volunteer work around the campus.

Growing up I remember always being drawn to the unique dishware that my parents had. I always chose the mismatched pieces like the lone fork with the floral engraving, and the large bowl that was perfect for cereal, even the mug with the wide handle that all your fingers can fit around. Having the opportunity to participate in the pottery studio and learn how to apply those details into something that I create is so special. One of the many things that I find fascinating about ceramics is that the possibilities are endless and there is always more to learn. The community within the studio has elevated my knowledge and skill, everyone is so helpful and supportive. I am excited to share my experience with others as well.

 

Brie Falwell

I started working with clay in 2017 for a few courses while in University, and began to further my exploration of the art form in 2018 when I started taking classes with the Academy Center of the Arts. Since then I have continued my ceramic education via ACOA, and have begun selling my pieces via online retail or vendor fairs. Throughout the years pottery has grown to become one of the most fulfilling part of my life by watching my personal growth in both the technical skill and my personal achievements. I am very excited to combine my passion of working with children and my passion for art. I have learned so much throughout my few years, and I am so excited to be given the opportunity to share my passion with others.


The following Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) are integrated into our Pottery Studio and Kids Clayworks classes! These standards emphasize the creative process, skill development, and artistic evaluation. These tools are essential for fostering well-rounded and successful young artists in our clay programs!
 
Virginia Visual Arts Standards of Learning Pottery and Ceramics

Creative Process
Grade 1

1.1 Apply creative thinking to artmaking:
• a) Experiment with materials.
1.2 Apply a creative process for artmaking:
a) Examine a variety of solutions to art-making challenges.

Grade 2

2.1 Apply creative thinking to artmaking:
a) Incorporate unanticipated results of artmaking into works of art.

Grade 3

3.1 Apply creative thinking to artmaking:
a) Use imaginative and expressive strategies to create works of art.

Grade 4

4.1 Apply creative thinking to artmaking:
a) Apply imaginative and expressive ideas.

Grade 5

5.1 Apply creative thinking to artmaking:
a) Express personal ideas, images, and themes through artistic choices of media, techniques, and subject matter.
 

Technique and Application
Grade 1

1.15 Apply motor skills (e.g., cutting, modeling, molding) to create two- and three-dimensional works of art.
1.16 Apply a variety of media, materials, techniques, and processes to create artwork.

Grade 2

2.15 Refine motor skills to create two- and three-dimensional works of art.
2.16 Create three-dimensional works of art, using a variety of materials to include clay.

Grade 3

3.16 Use subtractive and additive processes in various media, including clay.

Grade 4

4.16 Use a variety of media, materials, techniques, and processes to create artwork:
a) Describe and use hand-building techniques to make a ceramic work of art.

Grade 5

5.15 Execute and complete works of art with attention to detail and skill in the use of art materials.
5.16 Use a variety of media, materials, techniques, and processes to create artwork:
a) Create sculpture in the round, high relief, or bas-relief, using three-dimensional media, including clay.

 

Sponsored by:

IWT

with Education Access Program Discounts Underwritten by

Foster Fuels