"Pottery supplies...rather expensive. Education that involves muddy hands...priceless!
My school is very small, very rural, and on a very strict budget, so the approximately 185 children we serve and nurture are not always able to have the artistic experiences that may be available in larger schools...
"
MORE
"Pottery supplies...rather expensive. Education that involves muddy hands...priceless!
My school is very small, very rural, and on a very strict budget, so the approximately 185 children we serve and nurture are not always able to have the artistic experiences that may be available in larger schools. We are one of the few remaining K-12 schools in the area, and we treasure that heritage. Our kids are from mainly farming families, many are low income, and some are not. All students will have the opportunity to work with clay even though the grade level listed is 9-12 (there was only one choice allowed.) I have taught Art in a variety of school districts, large and small, urban and rural, and have been able to start pottery programs at several. The interest level by the students is amazing, and many of them find that they are more successful than they ever imagined they could be. My little school is in an area that is steeped in traditions of folk music and handmade crafts. I feel that is important to acquaint them with this ancient but timeless process of making utilitarian art forms. They always ask if we can do projects with clay, so the interest is already built in. This is also a wonderful and effective way to not only learn the basics of the process, but also to understand the historical context of this art form. It lends itself perfectly to writing across the curriculum, folklore and social studies that pertain to this area and many other cultures of the world, and to the scientific concepts involved in creating pottery. All this achieved through a hands-on experience that everyone loves. The materials list can be quite lengthy and do not come cheap. I am requesting two of the most important, and most expensive, pieces of the equipment needed. A quality potter's wheel and a kiln are essential. Ambitious? Yes. Worthwhile? Absolutely! Possible? I believe so, yes. Your assistance in helping to establish this program will provide these students of all ages the chance to get dirty, have fun, and have the invaluable experience of learning through hands-on education, which is always the best kind!
My students need 20 cartons of clay and 5 sets of Clay Press Tools Native American Designs.
HIDE
Ms. B. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Dec 2, 2009
Dear Tully, Karen, Melissa, Linda, James, The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and Anonymous Donors,
I am so thrilled to be able to say thank you for donating to "Mud Pies." Your generosity will have long-lasting effects on the students in my Art classes. In years past at other schools when I have been able to provide clay to my students they love the experience. They always remember how much fun it was and how much they learned. For some students it gave them a creative outlet that was to be found nowhere else, and it made a remarkable difference in their lives. Yes, it is that important! The pieces that are made will help the children develop more than crafts skills. Aspects of local Ozarks history can be taught in the context of functional art, as well as the scientific processes that are involved. There is also unlimited potential for writing and story telling activities. Pottery is both personally satisfying and academically enriching. I eagerly look forward to introducing my students to this wonderful process. I will be sure to post updates and photos as we learn to work with this new medium so that you can see how much we all appreciate your donations. With gratitude,
Ms. B.
Photos coming soon!
Region:
Arkansas
Where is the classroom located? 
Submitted:
Aug 02, 2009
| Expires:
Jan 08, 2010
Additional Details
Level:
Grades 9-12
Teacher's funded projects:
2
Thank-you punctuality:
N/A
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Karen L. (volunteer)
on Aug 7, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Aug 9, 2009
"Thank you to the donor who contributed to this project!!!"
The teacher Ms. B.
on Nov 28, 2009
Linda
from Rockville, MD
gave
on Nov 29, 2009
"Yay! Two donors! Thank you so much...hopefully we will reach our goal."
The teacher Ms. B.
on Nov 30, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Visual Arts education."
"Thank you Melissa from Oregon. Your support is SO important. How great is it that we can now support projects across the country!!!"
The teacher Ms. B.
on Dec 1, 2009
"Bet Red with Tomato Nation!"
"I gave to this project because I believe in this teacher."
James
from North Carolina
gave
on Dec 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because Mrs. B is so darn cool."
Karen
from Alabama
gave
on Dec 1, 2009
"The Arkansas Public School Resource Center (APSRC) is
half-funding classroom needs at the rural and charter schools serviced
by the center. This is made possible by a grant from the Walton Family
Foundation. Learn more about APSRC at http://www.apsrc.net/. "
The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation
from Bentonville, AR
gave
on Dec 1, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Dec 1, 2009
"Oh my god, I am speechless (almost)! Thank you to everyone, especially my wonderful friends from Greensboro College who saw my Facebook message and donated. I have other projects in mind, so please stay tuned...and thank you again!!!"
The teacher Ms. B.
on Dec 1, 2009
The teacher Ms. B.
on Dec 2, 2009
Purchased the supplies for Ms. B.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member)
on Jan 3, 2010
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