Getting hands dirty was absolutely allowed during a “Day in Clay” with special guest art teacher Cliff Mendelson. Sixth graders at Patrick M. Villano School followed Mendelson’s lesson as he demonstrated how to make a pot from clay. Rylee Sanchez enjoyed the class.
“It was very fun. I really enjoyed sculpting,” Sanchez answered.
Villano’s art teacher, Wanda Lev, met Mendelson fifteen years ago at Memorial School.
“Last year, Mr. Mendelson did an assembly for 2nd and 3rd grade to see a demonstration of throwing a pot on a wheel,” Lev explained. “I find the pot building for 6th grade a great introduction to clay and hands on vessel building which can continue at the high school.”
Mendelson is a professional at sculpting with clay and teaches in college. His program allows students to experiment with the science of sculpting.
“It provides the advanced techniques, cultural history and joins hands-on projects and studio-based demonstrations into the classroom for a true artist in residence experience and a real taste of the creative process,” according to Mendelson’s website.