| RO3 | From earth to form: Clay & memory at the Village Museum | |
| Partner organization (who designed it) | Timiș County Youth Foundation | |
| Overall description (Tell us the story of this activity) | A day at the open-air Village Museum that includes a guided walk through traditional houses, followed by a clay workshop where participants model objects inspired by rural life. The activity blends observation, storytelling, and hands-on creativity. | |
| Total Duration: | 4 hours | |
| Group size: | 10-20 participants | |
| List of materials: (from pens to papers to Wi-Fi to an elephant) | Natural clay, modeling tools, wet wipes, aprons, printed photos for inspiration | |
| Activity’s objectives: (what do you want to achieve by delivering this activity) | Connect with heritage through tactile experienceUse observation to inspire creativityPromote traditional techniques and natural materials | |
| memory archive timeline: information, picture and link. e.g. short story. | Year: 1955 Summary: Traditional potters in Horezu, Romania, have passed down unique clay crafting methods for centuries. In 1955, their craft was recognized at national artisan fairs, and their spiral-and-rooster motifs became emblematic. Today, Horezu ceramics are UNESCO-recognized for preserving both ecological clay practices and cultural storytelling.  | |
| Step-by-Step Description | ||
| Time: (mins) | Activity Description: Include all the steps needed, Include notes for the facilitation. | |
| 45 mins | Guided tour of the Museum | |
| 15 mins | Discussion: What impressed you? What did you see in the houses? | |
| 90 mins | Clay Workshop: Create an item inspired by the visit (a mug, figurine, tool, symbol) | |
| 30 mins | Exhibit & Share: Each person presents their piece | |
| 30 mins | Reflection Circle: Cultural meaning, ecology, and tactile learning | |
| Extra information we need to take into account. Notes for facilitation etc (in case needed) | ||
| Preparations for the activity: (what do you need to do, who needs to do it, etc.) | Partnerships: Coordinate with the Village Museum to organize a guided tour focusing on traditional rural objects and their meanings. Materials: Prepare natural clay, hand wipes, carving sticks, small bowls of water, aprons, and mats to work on. Inspiration: Print photos of traditional ceramics, cooking tools, and spiritual artifacts to spark ideas. Facilitation: Partner with a local ceramicist who can guide the modeling process and explain traditional techniques. | |
| Evaluation of the activity: (Describe how will you explore what worked, what did not, what should be changed, what as the impact, was the objective achieved and to what extent…) | Use a creative reflection gallery where all pieces are displayed with a small note: “Inspired by…”“I chose this object because…” Ask participants what working with clay felt like and if the object they created reminds them of anything from their childhood or family. Facilitator documents verbal and visual expressions for reporting. | |
| Expected Outcomes: What are the expected learning outcomes, social outcomes, or other benefits. Describe how it contributes to collecting and sharing socio-ecological memories. | Embodied learning through tactile engagement with a natural material.Increased awareness of heritage conservation and rural ways of living.Intercultural and intergenerational connections, as stories arise during the tour and crafting.Preservation of eco-traditional techniques as living knowledge. | |
| Appendices (If relevant – handouts, internet links, etc.) | ||
From earth to form: Clay & memory at the Village Museum