RAD Pass Workshop

Please note: This workshop is being offered exclusively through RAD Pass. To read more about RAD Pass and to register for this workshop, please click on the link above. The program is open to any Allegheny County resident with a library card.

3-Hour Workshop

Date: Saturday, October 10

Time: 2:00-5:00pm

Description: This class will focus on rules of collage composition, and “wet on wet” techniques unique to hand papermaking.

We will be illustrating with natural and found materials, as well as vintage ephemera while covering archival collage making and adhesives and becoming familiar with the Holland beater and a variety of tools.

Many wet paper sheets will be crafted and embellished with random inclusions and seeds as we hone our sheet forming skills and discover the properties and limitations of handmade papers. We will cover the history of paper making and discuss intended uses of handmade paper. Participants are encouraged to bring memorabilia from home to add to the narrative.

Tuition: All tuition and materials are complimentary thanks to RAD Pass!

Materials: All materials will be provided but students are encouraged to bring any natural, fibrous materials, dried and pressed plants and other personal memorabilia from home.

Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Papers 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 attend

One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. The Paper Studio is located down the hallway 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 feel free to call (and leave a message for) Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1628 or email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded by check, to your credit card, or Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

If you require accessibility accommodations, please let us know by calling 412.261.7003 and we are happy to assist you.

About the Artist

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.