This summer, NCC teaching artists were all over the southeastern corner of Minnesota, providing clay workshops to youth and aging adults through Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO). From Blooming Prairie to Le Crescent, Albert Lea to Caledonia, NCC teaching artists logged many miles on the ClayToGo Van with clay on the way and creations coming back.
Though the distance from NCC means this is often the only activity the artists can teach that day, these opportunities are highly sought after by our teaching artists. Even better, at the end they get to bring the wonders of ceramics to a new group of kids!
This is just some of the wonderful feedback from library staff members regarding these clay experience with SELCO:
“The kids and adults had a lot of fun! They loved they got to pick what they wanted to do. She was patient and took the time for everyone. It was a great program!”
“The instructor was very good with the groups we had which ranged in age from 6 to adult. Even younger siblings were included and made their own creations.”
“She was very professional, knowledgeable about the topic, gave thorough and easy to follow instructions, and worked well with all the age groups present.”
“Excellent. Booking was easy. Presenter knowledgeable and people friendly.”
“What a fun program and NCC is so easy to work with! Teacher was great
“The NCC instructor, Priya, was awesome and worked quickly and non-stop moving around the tables to help advise and shape projects so they would work out the best for the kiln. Parents were very happy with the opportunity and we had a mix of kids new to clay working and a few who’d done some projects before.”
Participants also loved the classes:
“Fun, relaxing environment to experience and work with a medium I can’t experiment at home.”
“Glad for classes like this, keep them coming!”
“We really loved the clay workshop! Thank you for having it!”
“I loved that my kids were able to try a new form of art that I would not know how to teach them!”
One-time workshops are two-hours in length for up to 25 participants. Participants are able to make and decorate a unique clay creation of their own during the workshop, with support and guidance from the NCC teaching artist. NCC provides all the clay materials, knowledge and instruction through one of our wonderful teaching artists, as well the equipment (kilns) technical know-how to finish fire (twice) and clear glaze the work so it is food safe and ready for use. Partner sites just provide tables, chairs, and access to water. Projects are generally ready two to three weeks after the workshop date.
If you work with a school or other organization that is interested in having a clay experience, touring NCC’s facilities, or seeing a clay demonstration, please contact us at outreach@northernclaycenter.org.
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