Our Holiday Print Workshop is Almost Here!

Join artist Christina Carroll at the Craft in America Center on Sunday, December 8, for a workshop on using monotype prints to create unique holiday cards for your friends and family. Participants will explore the spirit and imagery of the winter season through the spontaneous, painterly printmaking technique of monotype. Discover new approaches to line, shape, form, color and texture using water-miscible oil paints, fine printmaking papers, mark-making tools and a hand-cranked etching press. This will be a loose and experimental workshop, so no experience is needed. Bring a smock or old shirt to wear. Paper, envelopes, printing supplies provided. There will be two sessions, the first running from 11:00am - 1:30pm, and the second from 3:00pm - 5:30pm. There is a $30 materials fee for participants. Reserve your space here today!

Fairfax at 3rd Street

Two weeks ago we opened a show by the artist Hidde van Dyum, showcasing a series of beautiful, intricate assemblages, multi-layered watercolor pieces often housed in custom-built boxes, like little curio cabinets that open onto imagined worlds. We also ran the pilot session of our collaboration with Fairfax High School, bringing students from several classes in their Center for the Visual Arts Magnet program to meet with Hidde and hear about his history, process and career as an artist.

We had two classes visit, a mix of juniors and seniors who had already spent time studying and working on the possibilities of collage and mixed-media expressions. Hidde discussed the history of his craft and talked about how and why he does what he does. The students walked away inspired both by the talk and the chance to see artwork up close and in person. It was a thrilling afternoon for all involved-- and it's only the beginning!

Next up we're going to bring Otis professor JT Steiney to campus to have students in a digital imaging class create collaged comic books, and Craft in America Center Director Emily Zaiden will supervise senior English students as they learn how to tell stories through object selection and curation. We're so excited to be working with youth in the local community, and to be spreading the word of craft far and wide; check back here soon for more news on how it's going.

This Saturday: Susan Garson and Tom Pakele

Can't wait for the next Craft in America episode to air? Stop by the Center this Saturday, November 23rd at 4:00 pm for a special sneak-preview screening, plus a conversation with some of the show's featured artists. First we'll watch the episode, which doesn't air nationwide until December 20th, and then Susan Garson and Tom Pakele will talk about their work and take questions from the audience.  

Tom and Susan both recieved MFA's from UCLA, where they studied under Adrian Saxe.  Their careers have included selling their work to galleries nationwide, creating a very unique line of Judaica, and teaching and incorporating spiritual practices into their art. Check out Susan's blog, or see one of their collaborations here. Please RSVP if you're planning on coming, so we know how many to expect!

Autumn in the Window

The Window Concert Series returns on Sunday, November 17 at 6:00 pm! This time it's going to be a reunion show: after meeting in the Window in September, three new friends return to the space with an eclectic program. This show will feature skilled jazz musicians Amy Bormet (keys and voice), David Tranchina (bass) and the multi-faceted vocalist Argenta Walther. We've had a hot November, so come by and cool down with a mix of new and old tunes sure to put you in mind of colder days.

Gathering for the Holiday

Making a traditional Nativity-themed Tree of Life

one of Susan Garson's beautiful menorahs

Thanksgiving is two weeks away, with an early Hanukkah hot on its heels. Craft in America will celebrate the season with our Holiday episode, which premieres on PBS on December 20. That's still a while to wait, so luckily there are preview screenings happening across the country; check out the schedule here, and, if you're in LA be sure to stop by the Center for our very own screening plus a conversation with ceramic artists Susan Garson and Tom Pakele on Saturday, November 23rd at 4:00 pm.

Rules of Seeing: Hidde Van Duym and Collage

Rules of Seeing: Hidde Van Duym and Collage will open next Friday, November 8, with a reception and artist's talk in the Craft in America Center from 6:00-8:00 pm. Stop by to see the work and share a glass of wine at 6:00; Hidde Van Duym will speak on the topic of collage beginning at 7:00 pm. Like all of our events this one is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so if you're planning on coming please do RSVP!

You can also participate in a collaborative workshop with Hidde that weekend. Collage: The Power of Self will run on Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10. The first day will involve discussing collage in theory and practice and creating an individual project; on the second, participants will come together to create something communal. The workshop will culminate in the collective creation of a large-size collage to be installed at the Craft in America Center.
 
Workshop participants are expected to bring their own ruler, bone folder, weights, scissors and/or knives, tweezers/tongs, adhesives, cutting mats & brushes. There is a $110 fee which includes Sunday lunch. To reserve a space, please use the Paypal link here.