Spark your interest in clay by learning what clay is and where it comes from, learning to use natural clay as an art medium, learning to use a pottery wheel, and learning to design art with alternatives to natural clay, including polymer clay.
Show Your Skills
- Report about a favorite clay artist’s work
- Examples of design elements or art principles using clay as a medium
- Portfolio of work you have created using clay
- Photo or digital display of famous art pieces made from clay
Service and Leadership
- Teach younger members how to create an art piece using clay
- Make and donate clay artwork to a local nursing home
- Create clay artwork and donate it to a fundraising event or auction in support of a local cause
- Volunteer at a local art event or art show
- Invite an artist to teach a workshop at a 4-H club meeting
- Volunteer to serve on a local Art Council
Entrepreneurship
- Create and sell your artwork online or at local shows
- Design and sell clay ornaments featuring a school mascot or club / organization emblem (with copyright or trademark permission)
- Teach art classes featuring clay
Technology Connection
- Digital ceramics
- Ceramic 3D printing
- Digital fabrication
Connecting with a Mentor
- School art teacher
- Community college art instructor/students
- Local art museum staff or volunteers/docents
- Network with artists at community craft/art shows
Events
- Local and state 4-H workshops or shows
- Classes offered through local community colleges, park districts, or museums
- Local, state, and national art competitions
- Community craft / art shows
Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements
- Getting Started in Art (Beginner)
- Level 1: Sketchbook Crossroads
Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store.
View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.
University of Wyoming Extension 4-H project sheet
New Mexico State University 4-H project sheet
4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni, and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers!