Laveno Mombello - Children and teenagers from Laveno Mombello at a ceramics school, between art and tradition - - Varese News

Write “Laveno Mombello” and read “Ceramics” (and vice versa). The students of the two primary schools and the middle school of the IC “Monteggia” are well aware of this inseparable pairing: for four years the Mombello artist Erika Chinaglia of Terra e Fuoco Lab has been working in the three buildings for a ceramics workshop. A material as old as the world and yet always current, like a tablet. The project is funded by the Municipality of Laveno Mombello within the initiatives for the right to study.

150 hours of water, clay, colors and dirty fingers

This year, the Institute has done things in a big way: 10 lessons per class at the Scotti (Laveno) and Gianoli (Mombello) primary schools, from second to fifth grade, for a total of 110 hours. Another package of 10 lessons in each of the four second grades at the Monteggia middle school in Laveno, for an additional organizational effort of 40 hours.

From objects to archaeology

In primary schools, the children produced a bit of everything, based on the creativity of the teachers and Erika Chinaglia and the “connections” with the educational work: the initial letter of their name, an Easter “craft”, quality objects, up to Egyptian canopic jars and pottery in the ancient Greek style.

All modelled, decorated and fired, just like the master ceramists who have given prestige to Laveno Mombello throughout the world.

The totem masters Campi, Andlovitz, Biancini and Reggiori

For the middle school students, the journey began with a visit to MiDec in Cerro, to experience first-hand the creativity of the artists. Then we let ourselves be inspired by four great master designers-modelers: Antonia Campi, Guido Andlovitz, Angelo Biancini and Albino Reggiori.

Each class assembled the pieces created into sculptures/totems (one for each class and each artist) which were then installed in the small courtyard inside the school.