Independence Middle School (IMS) is buzzing with excitement as the eighth grade art room recently unveiled its latest additions – brand new kilns that are now fully operational.
After about a year of anticipation, the first firings have taken place, marking a significant milestone for the students and faculty alike.
During the extensive renovations, students at IMS had been using air dry clay, patiently waiting for the kilns to be up and running.
Now, the eighth graders at IMS can finally explore the world of traditional clay and glaze, opening up a whole new realm of artistic possibilities.
Mrs. Kara Whitaker, an art teacher at the school, expressed her joy and satisfaction as she happily works in the new space alongside her students.
“It is wonderful to be back and able to create in traditional art rooms again,” she said. “The students finally have a real space to let their creativity GROW!”
One of the exciting projects that the students have been working on is the Clay Slab Wall Pockets. These versatile pieces of art can be used for decoration with dried flowers or as functional items to hold pencils or pens, giving the students the freedom to express their creativity in multiple ways.
The new kilns at IMS not only signify a technological upgrade but also symbolize a revival of traditional art practices within the school. As the students continue to explore and experiment with clay and glaze, the future of art at Independence Middle School looks brighter than ever before.