High school English students in grades 8-12, at Tri-County Schools had the opportunity
to write with Spoken Word artist, Desdamona.
Desdamona is a writer and an engaging performer who works in the realm of Spoken
Word and Hip-Hop. She stumbled upon the art of spoken word as an outlet for her
lyrical expression. She loves to share her work and learn about students and what they
are interested in so that together they can create something that makes them feel
powerful.
In the classroom, Desdamona’s process is one of learning where students are at and
beginning there, providing inspiration, guidance and scaffolding in the art form of
Spoken Word and Hip-Hop. Des has worked in over 300 schools throughout the
Midwest and France.
With the help of Desdamona students drafted their poems and created poetry that held
meaning for them. She engaged students and encouraged them to try something new
and sometimes challenging. Desdamona helped students draft their poems with free
writes and feedback on which direction to take with their poems. Students were
successful in their writing with Desdamona’s inspiration and teaching. They also shared
their writings with each other. Supervising teacher, Melissa Thompson shared “She is
so easy to work with. She works well with students and meets them where they are.”
Students in grades 6, 7, 8 and 10 created polymer clay sculptures with sculptor, Layl
McDill. Students created rolls of clay and transformed them into animal sculptures. The
residency taught them to create through a new medium as well as visual concepts of
sculpture, color and 3D design. Students were inspired and created fun and interesting
animals. Select art student’s creations were shared at the Spring Art Show at Tri- County.
County.
Layl McDill grew up in Gillette, Wyoming where she began creating at a very young age.
Layl received her BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art Design but she
found it more exciting to make sculptural work and sell it through galleries and art fairs.
She has exhibited her work around the country since 1994. Polymer clay has been her
medium of choice using the millefiori technique and mixed media materials added. Her
work can also be found in numerous books and publications.
She encourages others to try art through polymer clay by teaching in person and
virtually around the country.
The residencies are arranged with COMPAS. COMPAS programs are made possible in
part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by
the Minnesota State Legislature. This activity is made possible by the voters of
Minnesota through grants from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a
legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural
heritage fund. We enjoyed this exciting learning
opportunity.