Introduction to Papermaking
February 2 @ 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
$189.00An In-Studio Workshop!
Sunday, February 2, 10:30am-4:30pm
View our current in-studio Health and Safety and Cancellation Policies >>
About this Workshop:
Delve into the world of handmade paper with this popular introductory course. You’ll learn the basic techniques of Western-style hand papermaking, including pulp preparation, sheet forming, couching, pressing, and drying. An overview of decorative techniques, such as the use of pigments, inclusions, layering, and shaped deckles, as well as pulp additives such as sizing, retention agents, and formation aid are also included. This class is designed as an introduction for new students and a refresher for those papermakers who may be out of practice.
Level: Beginner – no experience necessary
Registration closes January 25, 2025. Material fees are included with your registration covering all of the necessary materials for class.
Photos of pulp preparation by Jen Sheckels; photos of student working courtesy of Melina Meshako
CLASS MATERIALS LIST:
Registration includes a $30 materials fee to cover all of the necessary materials provided in class. Students may want to bring the following supplies to class:
- (optional) Personal apron (we’ll have some on hand) – waterproof is recommended, but you can also substitute a heavy cooking apron
- (recommended) Rubber boots or comfortable shoes with good tread (you will be on your feet most of the day and the studio floor will get wet)
- (optional) Note paper and pen (for taking notes)
- (optional) Gloves for those who may be sensitive – your hands will be in almost constant contact with water during the day
YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Zofia Chamera earned her BFA in Interdisciplinary Sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2020 and her MFA in Studio Art from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in 2022. Chamera’s foundation is in traditional mediums such as clay, wax, and bronze, however she recently began exploring handmade paper and how it can be applied to sculpture. She is constantly pushing the structural boundaries of this medium and with that challenging the conflict of fine art versus craft. While studying at PAFA, Chamera worked as the papermaking shop monitor and a graduate teaching assistant for figure modeling and many other courses. Her work has been shown in the National Sculpture Society Gallery in Manhattan, New York as well as local galleries in Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA. Most notably, she was selected as one of seven artists to participate in the Lucca Biennale 2022 Outdoor Exhibition in Tuscany, Italy. Learn more about her work at www.zofiachamera.com.
“I loved how small it was with only 5 participants. I think that allowed everyone to be friendly and get one on one help.”
—Previous Workshop Participant
“I found a new love for paper making and have already signed up for the Intermediate class.”
—Previous Workshop Participant