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Materials Exploration Workshop

Date: September 24
Time: 10 am-3 pm
Registration Deadline: September 24
This workshop explores soft materials and basketry methods used to make 3-dimensional forms from fibers. Topics include making cordage from various materials, twining, coiling, and knotless netting. We will work with various things to make cordage, then use that cordage to make three-dimensional forms. We’ll use plant material (a variety), fabric scraps, hemp twine, waxed linen, threads and strings, plastic bags, and whatever else you’d like to try to turn into cordage. Once we have made a bit of cordage, we will make three-dimensional forms. Some materials will be provided, but students are encouraged to bring anything they’d like to use. Natural materials to gather and dry include dandelion stems (look for very long ones), daffodil stems and leaves, daylily leaves, iris leaves, and long grasses. Students should have materials dried before use.
Watch Shanna Robinson create cordage for building sculptural shapes and baskets from common materials in her home.
Shanna Robinson has been making art from whatever material expresses her purpose for more than 40 years. Working in textiles, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking, she creates a varied body of work connected by a love of the natural world. Whether making dyes and inks from plants, weaving with plant and animal fibers, or making prints, she is happy to work in ways that connect her to her place. A retired Professor of Art from North Central Michigan College, Robinson holds a BFA and an MFA from Eastern Michigan University.
Students bring apron, scissors (not for fabric), gardening and rubber gloves, a spray bottle, two old towels, a bucket for water, clothespins or binder clips, rotary cutters and medium-sized self-healing mats, and materials for exploration.
The instructor brings plant material (a variety), fabric scraps, hemp twine, waxed linen, threads, and strings,
Please read the GAAC cancellation and refund policy here: http://www.glenarborart.org/terms-and-conditions/
COVID-RELATED UPDATES TO 2022 PROGRAMS AS OF 9/7/2022
To ensure the safety of our students and Staff, we have implemented new procedures for our 2022 programs to mitigate the spread of COVID and still allow participants to have a wonderful time creating art.
- Class sizes will be limited to 12 persons for indoor programs and 16 outdoor programs
- All students who have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home and not attend class.
- Students and Staff will wash and sanitize hands frequently throughout the day.
- Staff will sanitize common areas and touch surfaces regularly.
- We have optimized our indoor ventilation system to reduce the risk of germs and contaminants spreading through the air.
- If Leelanau County COVID-related cases are designated high risk, students and visitors must wear a face mask to prevent transmission.
To keep pace with the evolving conditions related to the pandemic, Staff will inform the GAAC’s new policies or procedures before the start of the course.