Iroquois Inspired Pottery (In-Person)

Division: II

Location: Visual Art Studios at St. Albert Place (Art Gallery of St. Albert)

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Activity/Products:

  • The Iroquois, Haudenosaunee or “People of the Longhouse” made clay pots with rounded bottoms to store seeds or hang over cooking fires. Students learn traditional vessel construction methods to create a decorative clay pot inspired by ancient Iroquois pottery
  • • Students learn what clay is, where it comes from, why it is fired in a kiln, and how to shape clay and use clay tools safely in a professional visual art studio.
  • • Students experiment with cutting, attaching, drawing, impressing, rolling and coiling clay to build a three-dimensional sculpture of an Iroquois inspired pottery

Volunteers: 4–6 recommended

  • Grade 5 Art: Play with shape; use abstraction and distortion; minimize material & effort in art
  • Grade 5 Social: Appreciation of ancient societies and contributions to contemporary life; Trade networks, farming, agriculture and importance of rivers
  • Grade 6 Art: Explore more complex art procedures; express themselves and refine artwork
  • Grade 6 Social: Athenian democracy, Roman Republic and Haudenosaunee Confederacy

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Teacher Feedback

My students loved the field trip. There is a good mix of teaching about the history and hands-on activities.

Holy Cross SchoolGr 2, “My School – Past and Present” at Little White School and “Work and Play” at St. Albert Grain Elevators

Perfect project to complement our learning in Science.

Wild Rose SchoolGr 3, “Metamorphosis” clay program - Art Gallery of St. Albert, St Albert Place Studios

The presentation was engaging and informative. It fit in wonderfully with our kindergarten curriculum and was a positive and meaningful experience for my students.

Windsor Park SchoolKinder, “I Belong” in-school Museum program

These were valuable and engaging programs for the students. They enjoyed learning a new skill and at the river lots they were encouraged to think critically and reflect carefully.

Leo Nickerson SchoolGr 5, “Learning from the Land” at the River Lots

My students loved it and couldn't wait to go home and show their creations!

Ecole HillgroveGr 5, “Needle Felted Owl” – Art Gallery of St. Albert, St Albert Place Studios

This program was fantastic. The students loved the opportunity to be in council chambers.

Albert Lacombe SchoolGr 6, “History of Local Government” Museum program

I have done clay projects with you for as long as I can remember. Once again, everything was AMAZING! We have a new grade partner this year who had never been, and she absolutely loved it! The instructors are always excellent, They explain and guide the students in manageable chunks to make it easy for the kids to follow along. I love that you allow extra parents to come and assist. I especially like that the projects are always connected to the curriculum! Thanks again.

Bishop David MotiukGr 3, “Nunavut Kayaks” Clay Program

The Peru and Indigenous Peoples of Canada program perfectly connected Gr 3 Social Studies content with some Gr 4 Social Studies content. We had lots to talk about after.

Lynnwood SchoolGr 3/4, “Peru and the Aboriginal People of Canada” Museum program

The instructor was amazing. She engaged the students in the Métis culture. The activity was hands on and informative.

St. Edmund SchoolGr 4 “Metis Contemporary Beading” Gallery Indigenous In-School Program

Amazing program with a knowledgeable instructor who engaged my students and me too! Thanks so much for offering this field trip.

Connections for LearningGr 3 “Tipi As Home” – Museum Program