Artists-in-Residence Site:  Ely Memorial High School

600 E Harvey St., Ely (Con. Dist. 8)

Collaborating Teacher:  Amanda Solum

Teaching Artist:  Bill Griffin

Art form:  Visual Arts

Project Overview

Students had the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to create a stylized, three-dimensional clay sculpture. They visited The Bear Center in Ely where they created observation sketches in preparation for their sculpture. They learned the process of basic hand-building and glazing techniques, and the equipment used in firing including assisting with loading and unloading the kiln. Final work will be presented during an arranged exhibit during the evening of the Spring High School Band and Choir Concert at the school on May 17.

Project Highlights

“The bears look beautiful. The students are very proud of them.”  – Bill Griffin, Artist.

“The students LOVED working with clay. By the end of the residency, they were more open to mistakes, and working within the limits of the medium. They worked together to create a display. They were very supportive of one another and seemed to develop a greater sense of ownership as they designed their show.”  – Amanda Solum, Teacher.

This program has been made possible in part by the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Minnesota Department of Education and support funds from residency sites.