Face Jugs

Good Wishes for Japan

In ceramics classes we are always referencing the great history and precedents of Japanese pottery. As we finished a raku firing and get ready for our annual wood firing camping trip, we owe a lot to the ceramic traditions and technology invented in Japan. Our hearts are with Japan during this time. We have created over three thousand cranes to be included in a giant installation of 100,000 cranes to be sent to Japan by "Students Rebuild" in the United States. The Bezos Family Foundation has donated $2 for each crane made for the effort, so we have been able to raise over $6000 for relief. Thanks to all the Lane students who contributed to help Japan.

Jayson Lawfer & ArtReach

One of our dreams has always been to team up with Lill Street, a great ceramics center on Ravenswood. Jayson Lawfer and ArtReach did an awesome workshop and soda firing with our students. A group of Lane potters went last week to load, fire, & unload the gas soda kiln. It was a lot of work & a lot of fun!

Visit to Art Institute & Perimeter Gallery

Melting Snow Sculptures

After being hammered with a couple feet of snow from the blizzard two weeks ago, the snow sculptures are now melting into puddles in the sun. If you didn't get a chance to visit Navy Pier, check out the snow carvings:

Child at Play - a frozen bathtub sculpted by Loryn N, Brandon S, Alex C, Chris T, and Yaro B


The City is a Gift - a homage to Chicago created by Krizza J, Allison H, Daniel S, Joseyln I, and Sabrina H

Cabeza de Barro Exhibit at NMMA

Today I stopped by the National Museum of Mexican Art and saw this fascinating exhibit of figurative work by Chicago ceramicists. Check it out!
"Two Chicago-based artists explore a spectrum of ideas through their original and provocative works. The pieces transform our perceptions of human anatomy, identity, and social and cultural structures through their natural and constructed forms."

Empty Bowls

This year, we joined a national effort of potters around the world to sell bowls then donate the money to food relief organizations. It was beyond our expectations. We hoped to raise a few hundred dollars but ended up selling enough bowls to send $1000 to the Chicago Food Depository and another $1000 to the World Food Programme. Special thanks to all the parent, student, and teacher patrons and to my generous students for your time and enthusiasm for this project.

Zoe McCloskey

Zoe McCloskey visited Lane and offered the students a fantastic workshop on wheatpaste and printmaking. She has traveled the world creating installations and street art from China to Argentina. She has a great sense of humor and had such a lively and engaging presentation. The students had the best time creating prints from her wood carvings and decorating our room with them, like our classroom clock that is now thinking about a mystery present. Click on the title above to check out her work.

Art Institute Winter Free Days

Did you know the Art Institute is free every weekday until February 4th? The museum houses world ceramic treasures, such as this pillow... yep, a ceramic pillow, made in Song era China in the 12th century. Here are the free hours:
M-W 10:30am-5pm
Thurs & Fri: 10:30am-8pm

The Wheels are Back

The electricians finished & we're back in business.