6th grade has "won" clay this term. It's not a competition, of course, but on kiln-unloading-days, the 6th graders' box is always the most full, and usually the most unique and exciting. But that is another story.

Test tiles to find the right antler color

This story is about the moose mug, pictured above. We, apparently, do not have the right color for moose antlers, and the student who made this mug needed a solution for this. 

Me: "Well, what a potter would do is make some test tiles, mixing various combinations. It would mean making the test tiles today, and waiting for them to be fired, before choosing one to use. I doubt you want to wait for that..."

Student: "Yes, that is what I want to do."

Me: "Oh!"

I provided several small bisqued tiles that we use on the top of glaze jars to show the color. I started marking the glaze colors on the back of the test tiles for the student, using a glaze pencil ("amber/yellow," yellow,/brown/white", etc). We tucked them into the kiln, and when I pulled them out, I noted that my student had added ratio numbers to my notes ("1 yellow/ 2 brown", "1 white/2 amber"). Oh my goodness! A potter!

Today a color was chosen and we found just enough space to sneak this moose into the kiln before the next firing. But wait! There's more! Another student approached me to describe a color needed for the pond that was ready for glaze - and it sounded just like the range of colors my student just made those tests for! So, Student 1 taught student 2 about how to mix the color chosen by following the noted ratios. 

A very good day in the clay center, and a big win for authentic studio-learning, where learners can go deep in areas of interest to become experts in their craft.  

Art Show Season

NOW Showing! 

Student Art Show at the Red Barn Gallery

Lareau Farm (American Flat Bread)

Through June 2, 2018

CBMS displayed only collaborative work in this show - featuring artists who chose to work together while creating art. With the exception of the Face/Box sculpture, all work selected was 2D. We were asked to set up down the center isle of the barn, to reflect the passage from elementary to high school - what a sweet spot to show off some of the artwork made in our studio this year!

Student Art Show at the Helen Day Art Center
Crossett Brook Middle School was invited to display work at the Stowe area student art show. Although we had just a small display space, the outstanding work of our student artists made a big impact.

CBMS takes the back (white)wall