AUGUST WORKSHOP: Layered Paper Cut from Moroccan Geometric Patterns with Laurie Moorhead
Have you ever marvelled at the intricate Islamic geometric patterns in architectural wonders such as the Alhambra in Granada or the Alcázar of Seville? Laurel Moorhead has been studying the methods of creating these patterns for some time–and wants to show you how to understand how they are created and how they work, and recreate them in paper. In this workshop, appropriate for beginning to advanced students, participants will learn how to cut and layer paper, while completing a layered Moroccan Geometric patterned tile during the workshop. Templates will be provided, ranging from simple to complex. The class will be knife based, but clever scissor cutters will be able to figure out how to do it!
About the Artist
Laurie Moorhead was first introduced to paper cutting by Bhavna Mehta in 2015, helping with her collaborative project Gush (http://www.bhavnamehta.com/gush.html). This created a love of the art that has grown through the years. In 2021, hearing about the GAP conference, Laurie volunteered to be a zoom facilitator, getting to meet many of the artists and members and learning about the many different varieties and methods of paper cutting. That same year Laurie began taking workshops in Moroccan Geometry, led by Hamza El Fasiki https://www.craftdraft.org/, which led to her blending the two arts into layered paper cuts of Moroccan Geometric patterns.
Date: Sunday, August 21, 2022
Time: 3-5pm EDT; 12noon – 2pm PDT; 8-10pm BT; 9-11pm Europe.
Zoom link emailed before workshop. $35 / $30 with GAP Member Discount: Members please use code GAP15
NOTE: All payments for classes are non-refundable (unless a class is canceled).
SEPTEMBER WORKSHOP: Luminaria with Melanie Kehoss
Luminaria: Turning candle holders into cut paper art, and vice versa
Get ready for the gifting season! Create unique candle holders by designing cut paper art to wrap around flared cylindrical glass. Lightbox artist Melanie Kehoss will provide tips on the best papers, adhesives, and glass products to use. Beginner cutters will be taught basic knife-cutting, while experienced cutters will be encouraged to use their artistic vocabulary as inspiration for design.
About the Artist
Melanie Kehoss is a longtime GAP member and Board Member, and is currently our Membership Chair. In 2008, Melanie began displaying her papercuts as lightboxes, which remain her signature. Inspired by history, anthropology, technology, and cultural flux, her pieces tell stories while reveling in craft and design.
Melanie’s work has appeared in over a hundred exhibits and has been featured in solo shows across the nation. She is a juried member of the Torpedo Factory Artist Association, often exhibiting at their satellite gallery, TFA@Mosaic. Melanie holds an MFA from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She teaches drawing for adults at Arlington Arts Center and a range of media for youth at US Arts Center-Chantilly. She is a founding board member of the Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour and serves on GAP’s Board. Her studio is in Arlington, VA. Visit her website: https://www.kehoss.com/ and find her on Instagram: @mkehoss
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Time: 4-6pm EDT; 1 – 3pm PDT; 9-11pm BT; 10pm-midnight Europe.
Zoom link emailed before workshop. $35 / $30 with GAP Member Discount: Members please use code GAP15
NOTE: All payments for classes are non-refundable (unless a class is canceled).
AUGUST CRAFTY HOUR with RANDALL
As a special part of our ongoing Membership Drive, which continues to run till September 3, our color-loving GAP President Randall Williams hosted a free, public Crafty Hour on Sunday, August 7. Our regular monthly, free GAP Crafty Hours are open only to members, so this was a unique chance for non-members to get a feel for our wonderful community and our monthly skillshare sessions. Randall introduced many techniques he has used successfully to create abstract color backgrounds for his paper artwork–using alcohol inks, masking and acrylic painting techniques, and even melted wax Crayola crayons, he devised amazing washes and mixes, giving a special push and inspiration to the usual comradely chat and swapping of materials and techniques with one another during the session. Thanks, Randall!! And thanks to the members and non-members who came, learned, shared and had fun together!
UNDERSTORY: GAP’s Highfield Hall and Gardens Exhibit 2022
GAP members’ works (below) have been on display in Falmouth, Massachusetts, in the beautiful Highfield Hall and Gardens since April 19. Our exhibit, “Understory,” meditated on the growth and life flourishing on the forest floor (and beneath that floor). Thank you to Joanne Ingersoll (Curator) for her care and vision in bringing this exhibit to the public. Exhibit closed July 10.
“UNDERSTORY” at HIGHFIELD HALL and GARDENS in FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
The Guild of American Papercutters Members’ Exhibit “Understory,” is currently up till JULY 10, 2022, at Highfield Hall and Gardens in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
“Understory” refers to the rich variety of life and activity found near and on the forest floor, where little sun penetrates. Over 30 works by GAP members are on display now in beautiful Highfield Hall and Gardens. Visit now–and consider coming to Falmouth for the GAP Annual Meeting and the Artist Reception, JUNE 26.
SUN, JUNE 26, 12-2pm: Artist Reception (open to public)
followed by the GAP Annual Meeting (open to all members)
Final Day of Exhibition: JULY 10
Ex Libris: GAP’s Traveling Exhibit of Papercut Bookplates
Last year, Guild members contributed their papercut artwork to an exhibit of bookplates at GAP’s National Museum in Somerset, PA, curated by Rebecca Raupach. And now, all of these beautiful member-created designs have been traveling through the country, hosted by GAP members and their communities. If you think your area could host a showing at a specific place you have in mind, please let us know: Write us at exhibitions@papercutters.org or president@papercutters.org
Online Resource: 2021 Ctrl+V(irtual) GAP Conference
Our virtual conference was a hit! Thanks to everyone who participated, in all ways! You can still access some of the fun at our Conference2021 website. Enjoy!
Copyright ©2020 Guild of American Papercutters. All Rights Reserved.
The Guild of American Papercutters is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The operation of the Guild is accomplished by volunteers and a very part time archivist and administrator at the Laurel Arts Center. For more information, email: gap@papercutters.org
