Colored Clay Tiles and Polymer Clay at ESSA

Forming colored clay tile block

The Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) had a wonderful kick-off session last week. One of our classes was all about creating colored clay tiles. Suzy Siegele and Mike Haley were the instructors and ESSA's renovated clay studio was the location. (We now have new clay tables and two kilns!) The class was absolutely amazing to watch. Above, two students are forming clay blocks from colored clay designs. They created their own colors, kneading each ball of clay to mix the preferred color. Some students said the kneading was the most difficult task, and others shared that it was a wonderful, theraputic experience! (The love of bread kneading was also discussed.)

After the loaf was formed, it was sliced into tiles.


And, here's a snapshot of what one of the blocks looked like after the first slice!

Suzy and Mike are excellent instructors. They invited the class and staff out to their studio on Thursday evening. They live in Huntsville, Arkansas. The students enjoyed the studio tour, and seeing the many creations of Suzy and Mike was all-inspiring! They will be back! Watch for our 2010 schedule that comes out after the first of the year...

Our next clay class is all about polymer clay! Kathryn Semolic is a local Eureka Spring artist that will teach the tools and techniques fundamental to the art and craft of polymer clay. The picture below shares the various tools that will be used. The students will make clay mosaics using this colorful, flexible and exciting medium.

Check it out at www.esartschool.org or call us asap (479-253-5384).

The class is June 15 - 19, 2009, (next week), so best hurry up...

Submitted by: Dr. Peggy Kjelgaard, Executive Director, Eureka Springs School of the Arts