Purcellville, VA, April 4, 2025. Blue Ridge Middle School (BRMS) students experience a creative in-house artistic field trip to explore the many forms of clay art.
Elizabeth O’Neill, a BRMS art teacher, comments on her reason for coordinating this unique experience, “the goal of the in-house field trip was to provide students an active, hands-on experience learning from professionals without taking them off campus. Oftentimes art related field trips are full day, they take students off campus where most time is spent in transit and they spend a majority of their time listening rather than making. While both experiences are good, our goal was to help them enrich and extend their learning in the best way possible by bringing people into the building and not miss too much class time in the process. I think we succeeded in providing that engaging learning experience to our upper level art students. I hope this is a tradition that we can continue in the future.”
Rather than the students leaving the school for a field trip, an incredible learning experience came to them. BRMS art students from Elizabeth O’Neill’s 3D 8 classes and Bret Bauer’s Art 8 classes got their hands dirty—in the best way possible—during a series of interactive clay workshops. Over the course of three 50-minute sessions, students experimented with various handbuilding techniques and gained insights into the world of ceramics, led by experts and educators passionate about their craft.
The sessions featured contributions from a range of talented presenters, each bringing unique skills to the table. Alisa Gladstone, a former BRMS history teacher turned successful ceramic pottery business owner, guided students through a workshop on textured wall pockets and pressed plates. Her session introduced students to the art of creating intricate designs by pressing textures into clay, offering both a technical and creative foundation.
Building on this knowledge, Bauer led a session titled “Creative Clay Chickens,” in which students took Gladstone’s techniques to new heights. Encouraged to interpret the lessons with their own imaginative flair, they sculpted whimsical and unique creations, showcasing their originality and understanding of handbuilding methods.
The final session focused on wheel throwing, led by O’Neill and Laura Hennessey, a science teacher at BRMS and ceramic artist. Hennessey, who has experience throwing on the wheel outside of school, shared her expertise in altering cylindrical forms to produce varied silhouettes. This advanced technique added depth to the students’ understanding of the pottery wheel and its possibilities.
The collaborative workshops provided a dynamic and enriching experience, allowing students to learn from seasoned professionals and experiment with new techniques in a supportive environment. From textured designs to imaginative sculptures and advanced wheel throwing, this hands-on in-house field trip inspired the creativity and potential within each young artist.
Eighth grader, Sam Wissler, summed up his thoughts, in middle school lingo, “The day was awesome sauce!”. Also, eighth grader Mikey Mazika added, “The day was fantastic! It was a great way to explore clay art through different stations.” Additionally, eighth grader, Nash Umburger, followed with, “The in school field trip allowed us to complete three different art projects in one day- not something we could ever do in just one art class.”
Principal, Brion Bell, commented, “We strive to provide applied, authentic projects across all curriculums; today was sensational! Each student was transformed in this project into a designer, potter, thinker, builder, collaborator and a doer.”
“I really enjoyed the visit! Thank you to everyone who organized this great engaging experience for the students-it was outstanding!” Michael Pierson, Loudoun County Supervisor of Fine Arts.
Alicia Gladstone provides expert ceramic skills to BRMS students
Elizabeth O’Neill and Laura Hennessey provide pottery wheel direction and support to BRMS students