Anne Luetkemeyer's art class of sixth to eight graders show off their latest project by the new kiln, which middle and high school art students raised money for over three years of auctions.
Art students at the middle and high schools are throwing pottery with style, now that a new kiln was purchased.
and Wrangell High School art teacher Anne Luetkemeyer explained the new addition to her classroom was
financed thanks to proceeds from annual art auctions. Held in early December each year, students from her class pool together pieces and various works to sell during the annual Christmas concert.
Saving for the past three years, the class raised the $3,800 needed for the kiln, which replaces one which has been in use for about
three decades. The school system had previously come by a different replacement which was gas-powered, but was unable to install it due to safety concerns.
This new kiln is electric, and when fired up can reach temperatures of 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit.
"I've been running it every day since we hooked it up," Luetkemeyer said.
Her 95 students have been getting plenty of use out of it, making wheel-thrown pottery, plates, dishes and glassware. One recent project had her middle school class put together ceramic pots shaped into elephants, highlighting the animal's sturdy shape but also its delicate forms, like the ears and trunk.
"They did a beautiful job," Luetkemeyer remarked. Hardened by fire, the objects now join a number of other projects in displays around the school. "I've got six cases full of stuff down the halls."
Students will next prepare items to sell at this year's auction and concert, slated for the evening of December 5.
"Each student will produce one piece," the teacher explained. Among the planned wares will be an array of functional mosquito coil holders. An example ceramic wedge resembles a slice of watermelon, for a summery feel.
Luetkemeyer hopes to nextraise funds through the auction for additional potter's wheels and other materials.
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