Bio
Kelcey Moore is a third-generation ceramic artist who has been passionately engaged in pottery since her youth. She spent her childhood in her mother’s middle school art room, crafting pinch pots and painting with glazes which fueled her artistic journey. Moore pursued her studies in studio art and graphic design at Eastern Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2013. Teaching art has offered her wonderful opportunities to introduce both students and parents to the fascinating world of ceramics.
Moore has created a range of pottery workshops that can be customized to fit any lesson plan or educational goal. She operates a fully equipped ceramic studio, complete with a kiln for firing students' creations, and will deliver the finished pieces once they are ready. She is available to work with specific grade levels, entire schools, or family engagement events.
Potential Residency Project
EXPLORING FORM, STRUCTURE, AND SURFACE THROUGH SLAB CONSTRUCTION
Discipline: Ceramics / Clay Arts
Teaching Artist: Kelcey Moore
Residency Vision & Goals
This residency introduces students to slab construction as a foundational ceramic technique. Through rolling, cutting, assembling, and decorating clay slabs, students explore form, structure, and surface design while developing problem solving skills and creative confidence. The residency emphasizes craftsmanship, experimentation, and personal expression in a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The slab built project serves as a flexible framework that can be adapted to a variety of age groups, skill levels, and timeframes.
Residency Structure & Implementation
Ideal Residency Format
- 4–5 sessions
- 45–60 minutes per session
- Adaptable for elementary through middle school students
Core Focus
- Slab construction techniques
- Scoring and slipping for assembly
- Structural problem solving
- Surface texture and design
- Students create a slab built object such as a container, tile, or sculptural form.
- Project complexity is adjusted based on age and experience.
Teacher Preparation
Before the residency, teachers receive a simple preparation guide that includes:
- An overview of slab making and handbuilding
- Key vocabulary (slab, score, slip, texture, form, function)
- Suggested pre-residency activities such as:
- Sketching ideas based on containers or objects from daily life
- Discussing how handmade objects are used across cultures
Session Flow (General Outline)
1.Introduction to Clay & Slab Technique
- Discussion of clay as a material and basic studio safety
- Demonstration of rolling out the clay flat
2.Exploration & Building
- Students create their own slabs
- Emphasis on even slabs, not rollling too thin, and overall width
3.Transformation & Design
- Students alter their slabs into functional or sculptural forms (cups, mugs, vases, containers, abstract forms)
- Addition of texture, handles, or sculptural elements
4.Surface Design & Finishing
- Refinement of form
- Glazing or surface decoration
Reflection & Sharing
- Group discussion and peer sharing about creative choices and challenges
- Classroom teachers are encouraged to participate alongside students, reinforcing collaboration and modeling curiosity and creative risk taking.
Engaging Students and Teachers in the Creative Process Each session combines demonstration, hands on practice, and opportunities for creative choice.
General Session Progression:
- Introduction to clay and slab techniques
- Discussion of clay as a material and studio safety
- Demonstration of rolling slabs, cutting shapes, and joining pieces
Measuring Residency Impact
- Assessment focuses on engagement, understanding of technique, and creative decision making.
- Assessment Strategies
- Observation of student participation and persistence
- Completion of a slab built form
- Student ability to describe their process and choices
- Informal reflection through discussion or brief written responses
- Teacher feedback provides additional insight into student engagement and learning.
Supporting Continued Learning for Teachers
To support continued learning, teachers receive follow up resources such as:
- A summary of slab techniques used during the residency
- Lesson extensions using cardboard, paper construction, or air-dry clay
Cross-curricular connections:
- Math: geometry, measurement, spatial reasoning
- Literacy: descriptive writing or storytelling through objects
- Social Studies: architecture and functional forms across cultures
Fostering a Culture of Belonging
Slab construction offers equitable access to ceramics by emphasizing process and problem solving rather than fine motor precision alone. All materials are provided, ensuring students who lack access to art supplies outside of school can fully participate. Projects are open ended, allowing students to incorporate personal experiences, cultural references, and individual interests. The learning environment emphasizes respect, encouragement, and shared creative exploration.
Engaging Students with Disabilities
These strategies ensure meaningful participation for all students. Instruction incorporates multiple learning modalities:
- Verbal explanation
- Visual demonstration
- Hands on guidance
Possible Accommodations
- Pre rolled slabs for students with strength or mobility challenges
- Larger forms or simplified construction options
- Flexible pacing and project outcomes
- One on one support as needed
Intended Outcomes
Students will:
- Understand the fundamentals of slab construction
- Develop confidence in building and problem solving
- Create a finished ceramic object that reflects personal expression
Teachers will:
- Gain tools to support hands on, process based art learning
- Receive resources for extending ceramic concepts beyond the residency
Adaptability
This residency can be scaled up or down depending on time, age group, and classroom needs. Projects may range from a single session tile project to a multi session functional or sculptural form, while maintaining consistent goals of artistic excellence, assessment, and inclusion.