3-Hour Workshop

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Time: 10am-1pm

Description: Enjoy the tactile experience of working with natural materials to create unique surfaces to embellish on—and in—fresh paper sheets.

Participants will learn about traditional papermaking while exploring more modern”western” paper making techniques with texture. This workshop will introduce participants to Contemporary Craft’s Hollander Beater, a special tool that turns natural fibers to create the pulp necessary for papermaking. Participants can expect to try forming their own sheets of paper from recycled and cotton rag fibers.

Tuition: $65 + $5 materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Paper Studio, which is on the first floor of the building.

There are 2 entrances to the Timmons Studios.

• One entrance is facing Butler Street. To access the Paper Studio from the Butler Street facing entrance, there are a total of 8 stairs to ascend.

• One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. The Paper Studio is down the hall from this entrance.

If there are accessibility accommodations we can provide, or if there is anything you would like us to know before you arrive, please leave a message for Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1628 or by email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

About the Artist

Dement is self taught, living as a maker of papers for over 30 years , so experiences will be different from any other paper making class you have taken.

“For my entire life I have been a working artist, organic gardener, and beekeeper. I create handmade paper as a means to an end. Paper art works take the form of: art lighting, shadow box, stationary, books and sculptures all crafted from sustainably collected plants, recycled and invasive fibers.

Each piece is a vignette that holds a visual narrative. Through layers of vintage ephemera, photos and bits of cloth, tales are told. When etched images are included the dialogue begins. Toys, natural and found objects punctuate the story. No material is arbitrary; I am influenced by overlooked materials found in my community, my own back yard. Rusty old tools are mashed together with deconstructed plants; this is where I find humor, combining these unlikely fellows. Often my works invite the viewer to playfully interact with the art work through light and kinetic elements that bring the imagery to life.”

– Katy DeMent