The Art Docent Program
Art Volunteers
Welcome to the Art Docent program at Ella Baker!
The Art Docent program is a school district wide initiative. Each elementary school has one. It has two parts: Deep Space Sparkle (DSS) and Clay / Pottery.
Deep Space Sparkle (DSS) is a teacher-led program. As the class Art Docent volunteer you support your teacher with this program, helping in the class, and with setup and clean up. Teachers are required to schedule and teach 3-6 DSS lessons, usually spaced about 1 month apart.
Clay / Pottery is led by Art Docent volunteers. Ella Baker has a kiln and we help the students create clay pieces, fire them, and then glaze them. You teach your class how to create and glaze a clay piece. This takes 2 lessons: one for creating and one for glazing the piece. Each grade creates a specific clay piece that is well documented with step-by-step instructions and videos for you to use, and you will have the opportunity to create the piece yourself prior to your class. There is no prior clay experience necessary to teach a class, and you will have lots of support from your Art Docent lead(s).
We have a separate team that handles the kiln. If you are interested in joining, please contact artdocent@ellabakerptsa.org.
Each classroom needs at least 2 art docent volunteers to make this program a success. There is no prior art or clay experience needed to volunteer. All clay lessons are thoroughly planned with step-by-step instructions and videos, and your art docent leads are on hand to provide you with any support you need. Deep Space Sparkle (DSS) lessons are run by your teacher with your support.
Please be sure you are an approved volunteer in the Lake Washington School District as this is necessary in order to volunteer at the school. We CANNOT let you volunteer until you are approved. Please go here and follow the instructions
ART DOCENT RESOURCES
Ella Baker Art Docent Handbook
WILDER PTSA RESOURCES
Wilder PTSA Additional Resources
KILN TEAM RESOURCES
NEW! Kiln Training Video
Kindergarten - Pinch Pots
1st Grade - Heart Shape Dish
2nd Grade - Owls
3rd Grade - Cupcakes
4th Grade - Pencil Pot
5th Grade - Monster Pinch Pot
Alternative Project
Clay Gnome
STEAM Lab/ Kiln Schedule
Schedule with Renata King in the front office or by email: reking@lwsd.org
specify class type (clay or glaze) or firing type (bisque firing, glaze firing, or kiln unload)
for safety the following drying and cooling times MUST be observed
bisque fire- at least 3 weeks after clay class
glaze fire- at least 3 days after glaze class
kiln unload- 2 days after kiln loading, preferably first thing in the morning
use the schedule below, and the class art docent volunteers list emailed to you, to coordinate joint class firings when possible to elongate the life of our kiln