Todd Fifth Graders Participate in Day in Clay

Native American pottery, with its intricate patterns and designs, conveys a myriad of images that are symbolic and often have spiritual meaning.

Todd fifth graders recently had the opportunity to create their own clay pottery and add designs in a special enrichment activity called “Day in Clay.”

Funded by the PTA, Day in Clay is a program facilitated by sculptor Cliff Mendelson, who holds enrichment programs for grades K-12 and also teaches at local colleges, such as Hunter College and Parsons School of Design.

Mr. Mandelson met with fifth graders in Jennifer Case’s class in art class with Paul Villanueva, and helped the students create beautiful clay vessels.

He began by introducing himself and discussing pottery in various cultures, as well as elements of pottery. He specifically discussed Native Americans and how they were inspired by nature in creating their pottery.

Students got to work right away. They used chunks of clay to create their vessels.

Mr. Mendelson provided step-by-step instructions and after each step, students gathered around him to learn about the next step and see Mr. Mendelson demonstrate with clay.

Once students created the round vessels, Mr. Mendelson showed them how to stabilize their vessels by tapping them with a wooden spoon. Students also used a popsicle stick to smooth and blend the clay.

They began rolling the clay into coils and wrapping the coils around the top rim of the vessel.

When it was time to creating patterns as decorations for their vessels, they used various tools.

The Native Americans, according to Mr. Mendelson, used a variety of different patterns, such as spirals, in their pottery, which symbolize renewal or continuation.

Throughout the process, Mr. Mendelson, Mr. Villanueva and Ms. Case’s intern, Joe McKenna, walked around, assisting students.

There was also soothing Native American music playing in the background.

After students completed their vessels, Mr. Mendelson showed them how to use paint, such as acrylics and modge podge on them, which they will do in approximately one week, when the clay dries.

“I was super excited to have the Day in Clay program return in person this year,” Mr. Villanueva said. “With a real artist in front of them, students have been creating amazing art with their pottery. Special thank you to my intern, Robbie Beard, who was a huge help.”