Slab Built Ceramics: A Foundation in Self Actualization

My Students

Help us create a Connecticut River and waterways wall installation, theatrical puppets, figurative sculpture, clay architectural structures and a whole lot more…

My students are amazing.

We have a very diverse community drawing students from many socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. When given the opportunity to shine in a space that nurtures their spirit to learn and express themselves our students rise to the occasion and surpass all expectations. I set a very high bar. Each day I see their successes become part of their life experiences and it helps to shape their view of the world. But it is a challenge to counter the struggles and obstacles that students of poverty face on a daily basis. Each day I strive to bring positive experiences to their lives that stress the value of personal growth and development. I do this to help transform their view of the world so that they my live lives of action not reaction.

My Project

One Bailey Clay Extruder will give students successful experiences in slab building ceramic construction. This classroom tool will allow young artists to complete the initial preparation of materials in order to get onto production aspects of their work in a timely manner, while maximizing the creative hands on learning experience. Our class production time is limited and given the need for set up/demonstrations/cultural/historical mathematical and scientific connections and cleanup it often leaves about 20 to 25 minutes hands on work/creative time. The consistency that the extruder provides will allow students to produce and use a working material that is consistent in its dimensions and immediately available for creative expression and execution of designs. The result will be an experience that allows students the opportunity to produce work that exhibits exceptional craftsmanship and mirrors their original design on paper. The success and gratification that a student experiences when a design comes to fruition and the final product is a reflection of their inner vision carries with them well beyond that experience. It becomes a benchmark and positive reinforcement for future endeavors. Success in the arts through expression is a reference point that they can draw upon in their life’s experience and it shapes their belief in their own power for self actualization for a life time. Successful experiences allow students an opportunity to dream, design, follow through and actively pursue their own creative intentions in all areas of life. Because it is my educational goal to facilitate experiences that are positive and rewarding affirmations for all learners I know that the Bailey Clay Extruder will be an integral part of meeting that goal. Thank you for reading our posting. Any and all contributions that help us reach our goal are greatly appreciated.

Our student’s abilities far outweigh their resources but we need resources to provide experiences.

The path to self actualization is paved with positive learning experiences As we establish these benchmarks in our lives they in turn become the catalyst to change our life. I teach students that we produce art but in practice we are expressive problem solvers. I have never seen in all my professional experience one area of study make a greater impact on a student’s life and educational experiences provided by the arts. It is why after completing multiple degrees I went back to school to peruse certification in arts education. The arts are not only a reflection of our learning but a reflection of the individual learner and a direct link to our self-esteem. Help us change the lives of an entire generation of learners in our area through your contribution and investment in the arts.