With about 125 pounds of clay and an equal abundance of passion, 29 Chenango Valley High School students competed in the 31st annual “Feats of Clay” competition at Onondaga Community College on May 4.
This was the high school’s tenth year competing in the event, led by CVHS art teacher Mr. Andrew Fitzsimmons. Students contributed in various roles throughout the competition’s six events.
Round one was the “Cylinder Stack” relay event. Four team members had to throw on the wheel in a consecutive order. They then had to stack the cylinders on top of each other to make a completed structure, as tall as possible, within a ten-minute time frame.
Next came the “Mug Production” event. This event required four team members to produce as many mugs as they could, at least four inches in height, within a ten-minute time frame.
Afterwards, was the “No Hands Throw” event. Working in a group of four, teammates threw the largest piece they could in ten minutes, without using their hands or any tools!
The “Blindfold Throw” event followed for round four. A team of two had five minutes to work together and build five pounds of clay as tall as they could. The catch… the team member building was blindfolded! Their teammate could only assist by communicating with their blindfolded partner and dripping water on their hands to help keep the clay wet.
Event number five was the “Pot Put.” Four team members had the chance to attempt to throw three clay mugs each into buckets either at 20 feet or 30 feet away. This event is more challenging than it may seem, but our Chenango Valley students did a great job with their aim and precision!
The final event, “Coil Building,” called for all team members to take part. Each “Feats of Clay” team had 30 minutes to build the tallest coil tower possible.
Overall, it was a day filled with fun competition and great learning experiences!
In addition, five Chenango Valley students had their artwork on display in the “Feats of Clay High School Student Exhibition."
“Old Man” – Allen Doan, Grade 12
“Demon” – Allen Doan, Grade 12
“Steampunk Face Jug” – Mia Hause, Grade 12
“Rice Bowl” – Jocelyn Schell, Grade 12 “Teapot and Cup” – Marrissa Rogers, Grade 11
Allen Doan received an Independent Potters Association Award for his “Old Man” piece.