Plates of ceramic samples to accompany a thesis studying the suitability of five clays from the vicinity of Denton, Texas for use in high-school ceramics classes. The abundance of natural clays in Denton County and throughout the state of Texas, the ease with which clays may be obtained, and the ease with which they may be refined for use provide almost unlimited teaching possibilities in high-school art classes. This study of five Denton County clays has proved informative in several respects. It has shown that within the vicinity of Denton there are clays that are suitable for high-school use. Although all these clays may be suitable for one technique of pottery making each may not be suitable for all techniques. Many clays may be used after refining by a simple, quick process without the use of expensive and complicated equipment. Simple glazes, which have an aesthetic as well as a utilitarian value, may be compounded to fit these clays.

The purpose of this study is to determine the suitability of five clays from the vicinity of Denton, Texas for use in high-school ceramics classes. The abundance of natural clays in Denton County and throughout the state of Texas, the ease with which clays may be obtained, and the ease with which they may be refined for use provide almost unlimited teaching possibilities in high-school art classes. This study of five Denton County clays has proved informative in several respects. It has shown that within the vicinity of Denton there are clays that are suitable for high-school use. Although all these clays may be suitable for one technique of pottery making each may not be suitable for all techniques. Many clays may be used after refining by a simple, quick process without the use of expensive and complicated equipment. Simple glazes, which have an aesthetic as well as a utilitarian value, may be compounded to fit these clays.