After spending a week at St. Patrick’s Intermediate School last week I have a renewed respect for teachers everywhere. I had a very unique opportunity to teach sculpting with polymer clay to over 225 Grade 7 and 8 students. Working with teacher, Joan Sweeney, we found a way to combine history, in particular Indigenous studies, and geography with art.
Inspired by the collaborative Thunderbird project at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, students created relief sculptures of fish and powerballs in polymer clay. Students also participated 
in creating the different sections of larger animals, in particular a bear and ducks. We used almost all 65 colours available in the Sculpey III collection. The pieces all came together to form a 4′ x 8′ Woodland Art themed panel. 
The students were respectful, interested and eager to learn more. One of the grade 7 classes worked exclusively on powerballs that were filled with symbols and the colours of their school.
The panel will hang proudly in the new St. Patrick’s High School Building next year.
MariaSaracino's Blog 
That looks amazing Maria. Love it. And yes, teachers deserve our respect every day.
I sure hate not seeing your wonderful work in person. Good to here from you and as you know I loved your Santa’s ; sure glad I have some.
Hi Shirley, thanks so much – I considered doing the show in Fredericksburg, but the timing just didn’t work out. A few people in and around the area have been asking – I’ll be in Vienna, Virginia for Thanksgiving and I’ll I’ll be staying until Dec. 1st – would you be interested in coming to a little open house at my daughter’s place – she’s in Vienna near Tysons Corner. Thanks for all the wonderful comments and support you’ve given me – I truly appreciate it. Hope to see you soon