Set your imagination free! The Grafton Community Library will present an introductory Painting With Wool Workshop on Saturday, May 16 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Everett Wagar Senior Center. We will explore the ancient, alchemical craft of hand-felted wool. Pursuing the creation of beauty, you will be invited to play with a full palette of wool fibers to create images and abstractions that are unique to you. Spontaneity will be encouraged as you get to experiment with a variety of surface embellishment techniques. Prepare to be delightfully surprised, as we incorporate unexpected materials into our wool works of art that reveal magical textures upon felting. Please bring two bath size-towels, scissors, a plastic garbage bag, and a dish sponge. Optional supplies: scraps of yarn, ribbon, sheer fabrics. No prior felting experience necessary.
Instructor Jeannie Thomma has been teaching the art of hand-felted wool to artists of all ages as a workshop leader, private instructor, and artist in residence for more than a decade. Her hand-felted wool works of art have been widely shown throughout New England in private, public and non-profit venues, including the award-winning galleries at Silvermine Arts Center where she has been a guild member, The Kershner Gallery, Ironwood Gallery, Wesleyan Potters, Erickson Davis Gallery and Zoe & Flloyd Gallery which she founded in 2006. With numerous solo and group shows to her name, she is recognized for both her sculptural and wearable art works.
Jeannie is also the author of several books, including “Meditations for Artists,” and speaks about the importance of living a happy life by finding your purpose and pursuing your passion. Visit her website at www.jeanniethomma.com.
Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. Register at the Grafton Community Library, located at 2455 NY Route 2, during open hours on Monday, Tuesday 3 to 7 pm, Thursday, Friday 3 to 8 pm, Wednesday and Saturday 10 am to1 pm .
Connect with the Grafton Community Library via Facebook, by phone at 279-0580, or visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org. This project is made possible in part through a Community Art$ Grant, a program funded by The Arts Center of the Capital Region through the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. Each year The Arts Center delivers grants to local individual artists and arts organizations to create high quality arts and culture programs that engage the communities within Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties. This year’s awards total nearly $75,000 and were granted to 25 artists and organizations.