Studio Web Series: Episode 2

Mixed Media Clay Figures with Richard “Duarte” Brown and recorded by Donte Woods-Spikes.

Discover fun and engaging art-making activities for all ages to enjoy without leaving home. This is the 1st of our 3-part Studio at Home Web Series, created in collaboration with artists Richard “Duarte” Brown and recorded by Donte Woods-Spikes. Each video will be released throughout the summer of 2023. We hope you have a great time learning, watching, and making art with your family alongside Duarte!

A full set of written instructions and suggested supplies are listed below.

Supplies needed

• Air dry clay
• Rubber or latex gloves (optional)
• Gloss Medium, glue or mod podge, these may need watered down
• Bowl or tray to hold medium or glue
• Paper towel or tissue paper
• Twigs
• Cowrie shells, beads, rocks or buttons
• Paint / glitter
• Protective covering for work surface

You are invited to join us for this fun instructional art project! It’s a great way to spend some time sculpting and molding your own unique figurine.

It’s important to remember to take your time and be patient when molding the clay into the shape of your character. Make sure you smooth out any rough edges and pay attention to the details of the legs, head, and other features you add.

Using sticks to create legs is a clever way to give your figure some stability and character. And adding a small ball of clay to the front stick to create the head.

Soaking paper towels in medium and wrapping your figure in it is a wonderful way to give it a durable and textured finish. Embed beads or cowrie shells into the wet clay to make your clay sculpture stand out and sparkle.

Once your sculpture is fully dry (allow 24 hours to dry completely), it is ready to be painted! You can let your creativity run wild and make it as colorful and unique as you’d like.

Overall, this is a great art project that is sure to bring out your artistic side and leave you with a beautiful and personalized figurine.

Have fun, play and enjoy your new sculpture!

Watch Episode 1 here
Watch Episode 3 here

Share your creativity by adding your creations to social media with the hashtag #MyCMAstudio

Additional thanks to our Cristo Rey interns for making alongside us and providing image gallery.