Clay Magnets Part 1: Creating Form Using Armature

As the end of the school year nears, Noormah Jamal’s fifth graders at Children's Workshop School are creating works of art that will last for years to come!

This week, students began sculpting their own refrigerator magnets. During the first lesson, they constructed their magnet out of clay, creating such forms as a mouse drinking a soda, an ice cream sundae, and even a ladybug (or dare we say spotted lanternfly?)

During the next lesson, they’ll paint their forms and adhere the magnet to the back. 

Noormah stressed the importance of using wire to secure their form, especially since their sculptures will not be fired or dipped in bisque. It’s no surprise that students quickly became armature masters. One student even made a standing figure using only wire and clay — no base!

Noormah’s work at Children’s Workshop School is supported by the Emergency Arts Education Fund, which provides free arts education to NYC school communities whose art programs have been decimated by recent budget cuts.

Children’s Museum of the Arts’ three Residents Artists are currently implementing ambitious arts curriculum at each of our partner sites throughout New York City: Hudson Guild in Chelsea, Sid Miller Academy in Crown Heights, and Children’s Workshop School in the East Village. Come spring, our residents will showcase their students' work through exhibitions and installations across the city. Learn how you can support the work of our residents here.