Working with Yukon clay, students will make pinch pots and add holes to the bottom. Nicole will bisque fire them - if your school has a kiln that's great, but she also has her own kiln. When she brings them back, students will paint them with acrylic paints. When they're dry, they will add beads on wire for the flower centres, and wire them to some kind of framework. This can be a permanent installation in the school.
The project could include a field trip for students to source the clay, depending on the season and school location. Activities would take place over at least 3 visits: 1. making the pots, 2. painting them, 3. beads with wire and installation.
| Grade Suitability | K-7 |
| Maximum Class Size | 30 |
| Time Required | 3-5 Instructional Time/3-5 hours Prep Time (sourcing clay, wedging, loading, firing and unloading kiln, transporting pieces to school) |
| Material Required | Yukon clay, acrylic paint, beads, wire, structure to attach flowers to. Nicole can provide some or all materials for a materials cost. |
| Material Cost | Dependant on the size of project |
| Language of Instruction | English or French |
| Communities | All |
| Availability | Nov 8-Christmas/ Feb-June |
Nicole Bauberger is a storyteller, painter, sculptor, writer and arts educator. Teaching and learning live close to the heart of her art practice. She educated herself mostly through collaborations and apprenticeships with other artists. She had the blessing of a learning friendship with Mrs. Annie Smith of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation which continues with Annie’s family today. Nicole loves to bring what she has learned in these relationships into schools, continuing to learn from collaborative adventures with students. For four years she created murals with students in Ontario High Schools through the Ontario Artists in Education Program. Her work can be seen out in the community and at the Yukon Artists @ Work Gallery.
Click here to read Nicole's published article in the Canadian Art Teacher's Journal (p. 49).