Springfield Regional Arts Council

"Clay On Wheels"

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Claymobile Pictures

Stories about the Claymobile appeared in papers and on websites across Missouri:
The Kansas City Star
www.topix.net

Clay on wheels
Claymobile revs up to bring crafts to classrooms.
May 16, 2006
By Sony Hocklander
News-Leader

There is something about pushing, pinching, pounding, rolling and molding clay that appeals to 10-year-old pals Audre May and Erin Conyers.

"We've made masks," says Audre.

"And coffee cups," adds Erin. "And we've made banks."

"I like it because you can express the way you want, and make it your own," says Audre. "And how it's 3-D and not flat and you build it."

"I like the feel," says Erin.

The girls have attended Springfield Pottery's summer Kid's Camp and plan to again. Kids love working with clay, say Jennifer and Nathan Falter, the clay artists and teachers who own Springfield Pottery. But camp space is limited and contained to one week.

Enter the new Springfield Pottery Claymobile — a nonprofit "mobile ceramic education outreach program" that brings clay art to classrooms and community organizations.

The Claymobile, a program of the Springfield Regional Arts Council, was conceived by the Falters, who will run it. Start up costs of about $40,000 — including the purchase of a van — were provided by a portion of funds SRAC received as a federal appropriation from the Department of Education.

Though the Claymobile may not be fully functional for another month, the Falters are ready to start scheduling visits.

The artistic couple say the initiative was inspired by their successful Kids Camp, previous work in classrooms and from years of receiving requests from community organizations.

"Now we have a way to serve them," says Nathan Falter.

The Claymobile will bring everything necessary — materials, tools and teachers — to provide hand-building clay workshops for one or more days. Students will learn clay construction techniques, such as pinching (forming a shape between fingers and thumb), coiling (like rolling a clay snake) and slabbing (making flat building pieces).

It's intended for classrooms, scout groups and any community-based organization in Springfield and surrounding areas. For classroom visits, the Falters can provide entire lesson plans, which include researching the history of clay and firing techniques, plus the art form's role in other cultures.

Fees vary according to workshop; a one-day session is $350. But costs may be offset by scholarship funds they hope to build through more grants and corporate sponsorships.

Projects are created on site, then "painted" with an underglaze, or by using a slip — colored, liquid, nontoxic clay that can be brushed on or squirted.

"It's kind of like frosting in a way," explains Jennifer Falter.

When the workshop is over, projects are transported back to Springfield Pottery for firing. Finished pieces are returned a couple of weeks later.

Providing more avenues for art in the community is important, say the Falters. Art encourages creative thought and problem-solving, says Nathan.

"It also helps with a sense of accomplishment and building of self-esteem," says Jennifer.

Audre loves art and is constantly creating projects at home. Her mom, Mary Anne Pontzer, fosters that interest. Which is why she thinks the Claymobile is such a good idea.

"I think in general, most art teachers are great in the elementary level. I just don't think (kids) get enough of it. For a child like mine, they don't get enough."

The Claymobile isn't only for kids: It can serve senior and rehabilitation centers, and private adult organizations. The Falters have developed a program also for professional development and team-building activities.

"We will do anything as long as it's education-oriented," says Nathan.

In addition to the Falters, Claymobile teachers may include Springfield Pottery's interns and their artists-in-residence, along with education students from Missouri State University.

"It's a big community effort that will tie everything together," says Nathan.

Addy McCord, education director for Springfield Regional Arts Council, has already hired the Falters and the Claymobile to do Girl Scout programming at the Creamery Arts Center.

"They do a lot of ceramics with the kids and they are fantastic," McCord says. "A lot of the schools I work in are extremely excited to have (the Claymobile). They don't have the space or time. I think the Claymobile will fill that need."