Sculpture & Ceramics
Students explore a full range of techniques for working in ceramics and sculpture with three levels of classes offered.
Working mostly with clay, but also using a wide variety of materials, students gain a broad understanding of 3-dimensional art while developing skills and refining craftsmanship as an artist.
Throughout the years, students work to successfully convey an idea through sculpture and express their individual artistic voice.
Sculpture and Ceramics 1 is a beginning class where students learn to make mugs and bowls but also art pieces that are surprising and sometimes thrilling. It’s a fun class and experience is not necessary! Students learn different ways of making 3-dimensional art and become a better artist by using the elements of art and principles of design. We use a wide variety of materials, but mostly ceramic clay. Clay work includes both the potter’s wheel (bowl shapes) and hand building techniques (like animal shapes). We also use wire, paper mache, paper, foam, and small wood pieces. Students will learn to tell a story through sculpture and will be introduced to metaphor in art (come find out what that is!).
Sculpture and Ceramics 2 builds on the all foundational skills developed in level 1 but with more complexity and creative freedom. Students will create a teapot, and sculpt a human torso but will have creative freedom in all projects to make them their own individual art piece. In Sculpture 2, students will also work mostly in clay but with other materials as well. If students have a strong interest in other materials, they are encouraged to pursue them as alternate assignments with the teacher’s approval and guidance. Advanced classes also collaborate in groups to create the beautiful public art sculptures on campus.
In the third year of Sculpture and Ceramics, students will be asked to develop their own voice in art and pursue challenging pieces based on personal artistic interest. All projects vary by student, and guidance by the teacher is individual and only limited by the space and materials available. The goal for year three is to show strong growth from the beginning of the year to the end in both skill, craftsmanship and artistic voice.
This Advanced Placement Sculpture and Ceramics class is a fast-paced, college-level, studio art course. Students work throughout the year toward the goal of submitting a portfolio of a number of completed works, which is scored by objective art professionals in order to receive college level credit. A considerable amount of work outside of class is required in order to successfully submit the portfolio which includes reflection, research and art critiques. Students have a great deal of independence and responsibility at this level because all of the work is created by the student with guidance by the teacher but without specific assignments given by the teacher.
Awards + Accolades
2023-24
ArtFest
- Best in Show
Youth in Arts Rising Stars
- RileyStreet Prize
- Honor Mention
Sarah Levi
