Student Artwork on Display

Now on display in the Werner Family Art Gallery at University School of Milwaukee is 
“In the Beginning,” the gallery’s first-ever display of artwork from Upper School ceramics students. The exhibit also displays artwork from students in Upper School drawing and painting classes. All classes represented in the exhibit are taught by Andrea Worthey, Upper School art teacher. 

Ceramics students researched “kiln gods” throughout history and in different cultures while experimenting with alternative finishing processes and adding non-clay elements post-firing. These “kiln gods” are not religious symbols but rather good luck charms placed near the kiln to ensure safe firings and prevent explosions. Additionally, students experimented on the wheel and explored hand-building with slabs, as well as glaze layering for chemical reactions. Students selected two glazes that produced a third color during firing.

Paintings featured in the exhibition include still-life photos and abstract landscapes. In the still-life paintings, students delved into various materials, tools, and artistic styles while learning underpainting and layering techniques for adding depth. For the abstract landscapes, students explored oil paints and palette knives by abstracting a landscape photograph while emphasizing the color palette as well as foreground, middle ground, and background.

Many thanks to Andrea Worthey for her work to guide students, and to Sarah Markwald, Middle School art teacher, for managing the Werner Family Art Gallery’s exhibitions.