After years of wishing by students AND parents, and in partnership with the Logan Square Arts Foundation, the Friends of Logan Square are currently seeking support to purchase a ceramics kiln for Logan Square Elementary. As a vibrant neighborhood school where students' dreams take flight, Logan Square highlights the importance of creativity and self-expression through two multi-modal art showcases each year. While students are already exposed to working with clay, having a kiln onsite would allow for a huge expansion in the way they learn about this incredible artistic material - not to mention their pieces will be more durable and more capable of being displayed during the Spring and Winter showcases.

A 2023 article summarizing research about the benefits of working with clay highlights several ways this ancient practice supports student's development, such as:

Students develop fine and gross motor skills through hand-eye coordination and strength of finger and hand muscles by poking, pinching, rolling, and kneading the clay
It allows students to be creative through a method that requires planning, problem-solving, and spatial awareness
It promotes focus and attention, often producing calming effects and reducing anxiety
Students can learn to express feelings and ideas in a safe and engaging way, practicing resilience as they manipulate the clay for their creation and feeling pride when they've created a finished piece

Your donation will help Logan Square Elementary purchase a kiln (~$3,000) for all 640 students to benefit from throughout the school year and may even help a student discover a new passion for pottery - that's less than $5 per student! To achieve this, our goal for community donations is $2,000, thanks to the amazing match opportunity from Logan Square Arts Foundation, who will be matching our first $1,000 in donations!

Ceramic Kiln for Logan Square Elementary

Help the school's art teacher get a kiln so students can take their clay-making learning to the next level - and get your donation matched (up to $1000)!