Construction began on 3-D design teacher Ian Fullmer’s new multimedia courtyard.

Plans for the new courtyard were drafted when Fullmer realized that his classroom and kilns did not have enough space for other forms of 3-D design, such as silicon, plaster, glass casting, wire and wood. The shed will help Fullmer in the process of transforming his class from solely ceramics to a full multimedia art course.

The project stems from Fullmer’s desire for a larger platform to explore new mediums.With support from the administration, Fullmer designed numerous layouts before deciding the end result.

“It’s supposed to be a 25 by 30 foot floor space,” Fullmer said.

Fullmer plans to move his two new, high-fire gas kilns, as well as his pottery wheels and cubbies outside into the new space.

“We need separate areas to make the separate messes,” Fullmer said. “I’m trying to bring in glass casting and stained glass and glass painting.”

Out of convenience, the new shed will be constructed on the patio outside Mr. Fullmer’s and Mrs. Lavanchy’s classrooms where the main power and gas lines are.

A large planter has already been removed from the patio and the surrounding planters are also scheduled for removal to allow the construction to progress further where shading structures will be installed around November.

“They say that the shade structure is going to be put in by [around] November,” Fullmer said.

Assistant Principal Jason Meskis said students will probably enjoy the outdoors availability.

“It will be a better work space for kids,” Meskis said.

Creation of the courtyard will not only address last year’s challenges with the addition of new kilns (as a result of both breaking at the start of second semester), but it will also help Fulmer achieve the fullest potential of 3-D design.

“The whole last semester it was a managerial challenge and it’s not like something that you expect to happen,” Fullmer said. “I had more of a dream of teaching more of a sculpture class and a design class, more than just teaching ceramics. I want us to have a program that people recognize at some point.”