On December 4, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts brought 25 Maine art educators of grades K-12 together for a workshop on ceramic surface printing techniques to use in the classroom. Artist and workshop leader Hope Rovelto shared low-tech, cost effective methods for image-transfers and direct printing onto clay that educators can easily incorporate into their curriculum.

Hope Rovelto is a ceramic artist and printmaker living in Philadelphia. She is a graduate of the Maine College of Art and a former artist-in-residence and staff member at Watershed. Rovelto's work has been exhibited nationally and she has attended artist residencies around the U.S. and abroad. Rovelto teaches at Philadelphia University and runs Little Chair Printing, a custom screen printing business.

Support for the workshop was underwritten by a grant from the Belvedere Traditional Handcrafts Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. In-kind support came from Lincoln Academy and ceramics teacher Jonathan Mess, who provided studio space for the daylong session.

Watershed announcements

Watershed also announced a new one-week summer residency for K-12 art educators that will be offered from July 24-29, 2016. Art teachers with experience working in clay will learn from one another and from guest artists who will offer mini-workshops on studio techniques appropriate for K-12 classrooms. The cost of the session, including room and board, is $750. Maine educators are eligible to apply for $500 scholarships to offset their expenses. Space is limited and the session is filling quickly. Interested educators can learn more and register online at www.watershedceramics.org/residencies/summer-residency/

With additional funds from an anonymous donor, Watershed will also be expanding its ceramic art education resources over the coming year. The Center’s Mudmobile program brings ceramic teaching artists to schools and community centers around the state. Educators and organizations may contact Watershed for more information on accessing the Mudmobile program.