Braddock Creative Arts Program Curriculum Mission
revised 5/24/07
Prepared by Jaison Pascuzzi
The Braddock Creative Arts Program, centered in the clay studio of the Braddock Carnegie Library strives to offer children and adults an opportunity to enrich their lives through the exploration of creative art. Our goal is to bring opportunities in art to all people.
Children’s Art
The core focus of the Braddock Creative Arts Program is providing educational art experiences for children
The Braddock Creative Arts Program offers art classes, workshops, and field trips for school-age children through partnerships with schools, community members, businesses and government to build opportunities in order to enhance the quality of life through art.
The Braddock Library Creative Arts Program offers a variety of art classes and workshops for Adults and Elementary and Secondary grades levels.
Through art classes and workshops we:
• Strengthen knowledge of the multiple forms of creative art
• Demonstrate avenues of self-expression and constructive thinking through creative arts
• Guide people as diverse learners and assist them in discovering their skills and passion in different forms of artistic media
The Braddock Library Creative Arts Program supports the Pennsylvania Arts and Humanities Standards which are based on National Standards.
The class lessons will incorporate the following areas from the arts standards.
• art production
• knowledge of historical and cultural contexts
• critical response
• aesthetic response
Class Descriptions
The list of class descriptions below are ideas generated in order to provide examples of past, present and future classes offered by the Braddock Creative Arts Program.
CHILD/YOUTH CLASSES
Basic Pottery and FunctionalWare
Ages: tentative
This is purely an introductory class. All children who like to work with class or never have and want to learn about basic pottery techniques are welcomed. We will focus on general hand-building and throwing techniques. Come prepared to get muddy.
Old Skool Pottery
Ages: 12-16
Come discover the styles of pottery made by ancient civilizations. We will explore the technique and styles of Egyptian, Greek, and other ancient people and try our hands at it. Students will be encouraged to focus on a specific technique or civilization if they choose.
Adult/Child Ceramics
Ages: 4-7 with an adult
The Braddock Library Pottery Studio invites children to a clay class where they can bring a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or guardian to collaborate on various projects. This class is ideal for children who are not ready to explore pottery on their own. Tuition includes one adult and one child as well as material fee.
Teen Pottery
Ages: 13-17
Teen Pottery is designed to be a fun class where we can learn how to use clay creatively. We will get our hands in the clay from the first class session. You can expect to be able to focus on a specific method whether it is hand building or wheel throwing. The class will be encouraged to look at pottery and other ceramic objects everywhere in life. Students will be able to explore their own ideas and apply them to a project if they choose. We will try different glazing techniques earlier in the course to ensure all pieces are finished.
Community Tile Project
Ages: 10-13
In this class students will design and create their own hand made ceramic tiles. We will use a variation of techniques to decorate the surface of the tiles. This class is designed to be highly productive. The students will make several tiles to keep for themselves. We will be making tiles for display in some of the local businesses of Braddock. This project enables them to have their work "on exhibit" in town where many people will see the tiles.
Imaginary Clay Creatures
Ages: 6-10
Come to class inspired by the creatures, aliens and robots of fantasy and science fiction. In this class we will look at and discuss the characters and creatures of folklore, legend, mythology, stories and movies. The focus of this class will rely on the imagination of the students to design and create their own clay creatures. We will learn basic techniques in clay sculpture. The students will also be encouraged to write stories about their creations.
Instruments in Clay
Ages: 6-10
Come join the band in a clay class inspired by music. In this class we will explore the methods in creating musical instruments with clay. Students will make rattles, maracas, whistles and more. Lets have fun with various methods of decorating your own clay instruments and making music.
ADULT CLASSES
Introductory Pottery
Ages: 16 and up
This is purely an introductory class. You are encouraged to come have a go at the pottery wheel and hand building techniques for the first time. If you tried it before and want to learn more, please join us. Get ready to get your hands in the clay from the beginning.
Making Pottery for the Table
Ages: 16 and up
Come to a class based on your interest in ceramic tableware. We welcome you with or without experience to study and make objects made in clay such as bowls, mugs, plates, and vases. Curious about making a tea set? This is the class for you.
Not-so-Functional Funky Ceramics
Ages: 16 and up
Do you want to experiment with the possibilities of clay without really making specific functional objects? Do you want to combine hand-built, slab rolled, wheel-thrown pieces to make abstract sculptures? If so then you ought to come to this class and make some funky pots to display around the house. You are guaranteed to create conversation pieces.
Ongoing Clay Workshop(Open Studio)
Ages: 16 and up
Ongoing Clay Workshop is a continuous open studio class for all skill levels. If you always wanted a place to go to work independently on your own pottery then now you have found it. Come to enjoy pottery in a recreational atmosphere without the structure of a regular class. An instructor will be on-hand for assistance. This class will meet once a week. You don’t have to commit to an entire course, with the option to pay as you go.
