This course explores both traditional and experimental throwing techniques to make functional and sculptural pots. Develop a repertoire of skills, improve competency thinking and working three-dimensionally and incorporate new methods to encourage craftsmanship and conceptual skills in students. Focus on the potential of the potter's wheel as a tool for expression. This course provides an opportunity for personal invention and exploration in developing sound skills to take back to the classroom. Learn throwing techniques with stoneware clays. In addition, discover finishes experimenting with colored slips, under glazes, oxides, shop glazes and firing techniques.

Create large and small-scale ceramic mosaic constructions through the use of line drawings, freehand sketches, slide transfers or with computer assistance. Learn techniques such as plaster mold castings for tile replication opportunities, the use of plastic patterns or one-of-a-kind fabrications. Mounting and hanging are covered as well. Content open to all teachers with an interest in producing tiles; application to classroom use is considered.

Explore the techniques of Raku firing and the qualities of this approach, with an emphasis on more refined projects, focused critiques and the more advanced aspects of the medium to convey an artistic message. Participants develop work in a series and consider its application to the classroom. Prerequisite: (VPAS 512) 3-D Projects for the Classroom: Ceramics - Raku, Introductory

Children who are comfortable in their own skin are more likely to respect and appreciate others and grow into caring, healthy and productive adults. Using role-playing and creative expression, this course provides strategies to help students improve their relationships through effective communication, especially in handling conflict, bullying and anger. Subjects include expressing and understanding emotions, verbal and nonverbal language cues, anger management and conflict resolution, listening, problem solving, decision making and parenting.

This course assists K-12 educators in recognizing the importance of affirming the cultural identities of students and helping them to respect cultural differences in others. Participants develop resources, tools and methods to increase cultural awareness in the classroom across the curriculum. Activities encourage students to understand and honor diversity, both in their schools and in the larger community. This course focuses on methods to weave tolerance and understanding into existing curricular units and lesson plans.

This course presents a step-by-step approach to understanding what causes one to look at a painting, photograph or any 2-D media and what is needed to maintain visual interest. This method applies aspects of line, shape, value and color directly to moving the viewer's eye to and through a composition. With studio projects and hands-on exercises reinforcing concepts, vocabulary and visual organization, participants strengthen their own design thinking skills and develop new methods to convey and explain design to students. Applicable to the fine arts, applied arts and digital media, this course provides a simple and comprehensive methodology through which artists can create dynamic art.