​In ceramics class, students experimented with horse hair firing. After their pieces were bisqued, we fired them in the test kiln to 1115 degrees. They pulled them out at that temperature and laid down strands of horse hair to create lines, patterns, and carbon flashing. Special thanks to Mrs. Melino's horse, Nickelodeon for his donation!

Mount Everett ceramics students demonstrated throwing techniques and explained related concepts in physics to Undermountain sixth graders after an interdisciplinary art/science residency with Jane Burke of Flying Cloud Institute, thanks to a Mass Cultural Council grant.

Foundations students were asked to participate in a community service project this semester. A local organization called "The Berkshire Community Diaper Project" (BCDP) raises funds and collects diaper donations to provide diapers for parents who struggle to afford them for their children. They will be auctioning off painted adirondack chairs to benefit children in our county. Maddie Fife, Tori Gilmore, Lexi Tomascak, Mariah Broderick, Catie Nagy, Emma Stewart, and Elaina Donsbough submitted original sketches to the board of BCDP who chose the final design. 

Ceramics students created a group piece in response to recent events in our community. This artwork represents an expression of hope and encouragement in times of deep tragedy. It exemplifies the strength and ability of our community to piece back together our broken spirit. This project evolved as a coping mechanism as we worked through feelings of loss and sadness. Elements within the composition were symbolic references--a shattered, but golden townscape and original poetry from published Alter Ego's of the past. (That's our art and literary magazine). 

During our trip to India in October, I had the opportunity to work with art students from the Keswick School. We completed a Hexagon Project challenge which was to interpret "Tranforming Conflict." The annual exhibit is an international collaboration with a theme focusing on "interdependence."

The Mass Audubon Society's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary visited our Mosaics class to teach us about endangered species, legislation, and conservation. We also learned from an ornithologist from the National Geographic's Explorer Classroom about global efforts to prevent extinction of wildlife. Our class created mosaics of local, endangered birds using traditional materials and techniques. We cast them to look like ancient fragments as a metaphor for potential loss and preservation. We will use our work as part of a fundraiser for PVWS.

The 6th grade bottle cap mural is complete! Thank you to all who donated  your recycled caps!