Abintra Arts - Spring Updates
These beautiful “Haniwa” sculptures
are the result of a week long collaborative effort by upper elementary students with
the guidance of visiting artist and master potter Caroline Cercone.
Haniwa, which means “circle of clay” or “hollow cylinder” in Japanese, is the name for the unglazed and hollow terra cotta sculptures arranged on and around the mounded tombs of the Japanese elite dating from the Kofun period (c.250–552 CE).
The first and most common Haniwa were barrel-shaped cylinders used to mark
the borders of a burial ground. Later, in the early 4th century, sculptural
forms such as figures of warriors, attendants, dancers, birds, animals, boats,
military equipment, and even houses were placed upon the cylinders. Please take a look at this video about the history of Haniwa figures, we watched it in class so as to be better informed and inspired.
Our Haniwa sculptures have been on display in our parent education room which also serves as our art gallery. They are now relocated to their permanent outdoor home in the garden by the Honey House.
As Caroline was able to bring in a few pottery wheels, our middle school students were introduced to the art of "throwing". This was such an enjoyable practice, a first for our art program and one that we hope to continue.
Our recent production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing provided a very large opportunity for stagecraft creativity. The collaborative nature of this project made for a joyful and inspiring atmosphere, and of course it’s impossible not to have big fun while making a big painting.
It is essential that we allow sufficient space in the day for students to explore the world in their own way through the arts. As students frequently arrive to the studio with ideas in mind, they have been actively engaged in the process of creating personal work.
Our Haniwa sculptures have been on display in our parent education room which also serves as our art gallery. They are now relocated to their permanent outdoor home in the garden by the Honey House.
As Caroline was able to bring in a few pottery wheels, our middle school students were introduced to the art of "throwing". This was such an enjoyable practice, a first for our art program and one that we hope to continue.
Our recent production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing provided a very large opportunity for stagecraft creativity. The collaborative nature of this project made for a joyful and inspiring atmosphere, and of course it’s impossible not to have big fun while making a big painting.
It is essential that we allow sufficient space in the day for students to explore the world in their own way through the arts. As students frequently arrive to the studio with ideas in mind, they have been actively engaged in the process of creating personal work.
We have been excited to have the help of Abintra alumni Katie Corkum, class of 2013, who has been working in the art studio and on the yearbook before heading to University of Vermont next year!
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