As part of a residency with Stafford Elementary in Tacoma, Artist Mentor Kris Vermeer is working with students to create ceramic bowls that will be donated to the Empty Bowls Grassroots Movement, supporting community members suffering from food insecurity. This is a school-wide project with 17 different classrooms and more than 400 kids, with students doing all of the designing, shaping of the bowls. Learn more below!
Tell us a little about yourself as an artist and an educator.
I’ve been a professional artist since 1986, I started out as a printmaker. And over the years moved to include painting, fused glass, and metal sculpture (and a little bit of clay) . I feel so incredibly fortunate to be able to make a living doing what I love to do. I have had the honor to be an artist in residence over the last 15 years. One of my greatest joys is being able to work with the young people of today. I am always learning and I’m always growing.
How did you get involved in this residency at Stafford Elementary?
I have been associated with Stafford elementary since it’s beginning roughly 10 years ago. They started out as a heavily arts infused School, and received many top awards. Stafford elementary has always believed that arts infused learning helps children retain information longer, and the kids actually want to go to school. The focus this year has really been to heavily integrate the arts. With the current structure that teachers are on, this does not allow them a lot of time to focus on creating and integrating new ideas..
My job in this residency, is to to create lessons based on monthly themes. I then teach the teachers in a one hour class, and then work directly with the students over the following month. This year students will work with clay, glass, and printmaking.
How did you learn about the Empty Bowls Project?
Empty Bowls is an organization that I have been aware of for many many years. I have heard many good things about what they have done for the communities, and people in need… since our focus for January was poverty in America. This seemed like the perfect fit.
What are some of your most memorable experiences working with these students?
I guess one of my favorite experiences, was a young man, first grade. Who was not having a very good day. Didn’t want to come and create the clay bowl. But he came and sat, and then eventually he picked up his carving tool and started to create. He began to sit taller, and smile, and became very animated in his speech. I actually ended up letting him work much longer and then everyone else in this group. Because he was so focused, and he had such a great time. He asked lots of questions about what was going to happen with his bowl . He really liked the idea that he was getting to help somebody.
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