Judith Leire

BFA in Ceramics with additional ceramic classes and workshops

Judith Leire has been involved with clay and ceramics for over 15 years. It has been a marvelous journey of exploration and creativity. Her journey has included: solo and group shows both here and abroad, being published in Clay Times, and chosen for inclusion in the Lark Publication 500 Cups.

Along the way have come many teaching opportunities - among them being the Clay Art Center, Westchester Art Workshop and Pottery on Hudson.\"It has been a great joy for me to have the chance to share my knowledge and experience. I have had students from grammar school to senior adults - all with a wide range of abilities.

Whether it is a Navajo or African coil pot, a Mayan mask, a Persian tile, or a coffee mug, clay is a familiar medium that is part of virtually every culture from the beginning of time to the present. It is my belief that working in clay is a positive experience for mostly everyone. I approach all my classes with enthusiasm and a large dose of individual attention. My goal is to create a pleasurable experience that culminates in a successful outcome for all.

Clay is an easy, forgiving medium, so there are no \'mistakes.\' The very nature of clay and its ability to change shape at a touch encourages the imagination and creative thinking, resulting in a sense of accomplishment. It is the student\'s sense of accomplishment and pride that I find so profoundly rewarding as a teaching artist. And besides, it\'s a lot of fun!\"

\"Under the Sea\" Mural created by 3rd graders at Longfellow Elementry School in Mount Vernon. (See Photos) Spring, 2010
\"African Masks\" created by 1st graders and \"Animal Masks\" created by 3rd graders at Graham Elementary School in Mount Vernon, Spring 2009. Masks were on display at the Mount Vernon Library Rotunda Gallery. A first grader\'s mask was chosen for the post card announcing the show (see Photo)