Introduction: Clay Gargoyle

About: Elementary art teacher in Imperial, NE. Love my job! I teach Kindergarten through 8th Grade, high-school web design and help out with the senior prom. All part of the life of a small town teacher. :) When …
As an art teacher I'm always looking for good ways to teach my students a little history along with the fun projects.  This has been one of my all time favorites!  
We talk about Gargoyles on Medieval cathedrals, especially those on Notre Dame.  We talk about the purpose and characteristics of gargoyles (rain spouts / scare away evil spirits).  Then I introduce the clay!  The kids start with a basic pinch pot.  After that they are free to use their imagination.  My only requirement is that their gargoyle has a big open mouth.  
The pictures are of our last group of gargoyles.  The gargoyle by itself (the purple guy) is my class example.