Friendship Tree Sculpture Project

Framework

Building

An artist educator will visit your school and lead a three day workshop on-site. This includes:

• a lecture presentation of the Friendshop Tree Sculpture Project as a participatory educational collaboration
• clay work instruction with students and teachers to create 3-D clay faces
• the creation of the 4–6’ tall sculptural clay “tree trunk base” of the Friendship Tree by the visiting artist
• documentation of the whole process with photos and video

Installation

Pam returns for a two day visit. The tree trunk base is usually built in sections to accomodate the size of the kiln. After it is fired in the kiln, the sections are re-assembled around an interior armature for secure installation in an inside or outside environment. The 3D clay faces become the “branches” of the Friendship Tree.

Working with Clay

Working with clay is a wonderful experience for students! It is a natural, elemental material that is flexible, durable and strong. People all over the world, throughout history, have worked with clay.

Clay needs to dry before it is fired to 1922° in the kiln. After the first “bisque” firing, the baked clay pieces will be painted with low fire glazes by the students. Then the pieces will be fired for a second “glaze” firing. Due to time restraints, it will be important for the school to provide assistance with the firing of the clay faces and tree trunk base.

The visiting artist educator will return at a later date to assemble the Friendship Tree Sculpture and celebrate its installation at your school! Clay faces from students at other schools in the Friendship Tree Grove will become branches on your Friendship Tree Sculpture!