Gathering Garden
In 2005, the 4th and 5th graders at the Ray School started the school year by embarking on an amazing art adventure. Each class was given the task of creating a bench that would be one of nine to surround a garden designed with plants used for basketry and fiber dye. The 4th and 5th graders were to build benches that would enable us to gather and learn in the beautiful setting up behind the gym in what's now known as the Ray School Gathering Garden.
In the fall of 2005, the 4th and 5th graders met the two talented artists that they would work with throughout the year. With the guidance of Kerstin Nichols and Sarah Heimann, the students squished their feet in the muddy clay, sand and straw to mix the cob - amidst lots of laughter! They formed balls of cob that they worked onto a concrete base and built the base of the bench bit by bit successfully creating a solid foundation out of all natural materials.
In the winter and spring, they brainstormed, voted, sketched and discussed their bench top designs. After decisions were made, they transferred their design onto a clay slab, then tooled, colored and glazed each piece. Each bench has well over 100 pieces! Students took turns working on the bench as well as designing and creating clay leaves for the garden path. They had to work together for the entire process....the collaboration was incredible!
Every student at the Ray School contributed to the project last spring when they decorated leaves with designs and color to add to the path leaves that the 4th and 5th graders made. At the end of school last year, the bench tops were done, the bases were set, all the clay leaves were ready and things just needed to be installed. During the summer, many parent volunteers, teacher volunteers and even a few students and former students came together with Kerstin, Sarah, Mrs. Henry and Mrs. Haun to help secure the bench tops and help set the path. It was so incredible to see all this hard work and effort result in a finished product! The benches and the path are not only beautiful, but they also exude an almost mystical or spiritual feeling. Maybe it's due to the fact that the garden is filled with the creative energies of so many who have worked together.
This fall we started the process of putting in plants. This year's 4th graders worked with a botanist, Bruce Riggs, and planted over 50 varieties of plants used for basketry and fiber dyes. A number of parents and the Town of Hanover donated over 350 daffodil bulbs!
Now that the garden is planted, we will invite last year's 5th graders over to join us for a dedication ceremony. It will be sometime this spring when the garden is awakening and all the daffodils are in bloom. It should be spectacular!
Generous funding for this project was provided by the Bridgman Trust and the Friends of Hanover/Norwich Schools.
News
The May 2007 issue of Upper Valley Life features an article about the Ray School art program.
The last 2 photos show students using their drawing boards at the Gathering Garden. The drawing tablets were funded by a PTO grant, awarded in spring 2008.
Photo Gallery
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