Shared Spaces Bookmaking is my name for special group-bookmaking experiences, ranging from various types of workshops to guided projects for small groups. I enjoy encouraging individuals and groups to create books that bring delight.
During the coronavirus pandemic, I will not be offering in-person workshops. Like any of you reading this, I'm eager for the time when safely creating together while sharing materials, ideas, and energy will be possible. For now, I'll share information about past workshop activities, plus ideas you might want to consider later--and I'll send you abundant well-wishes!
WORKSHOPS
Workshops at Art/Book Art Schools
In partnership with various schools of art/book arts, I have offered many types of workshops designed to ignite each participant's creative energy.
Most recently, in late April 2019, at the lovely and welcoming Florence Thomas Art School, in West Jefferson, NC, we created a variety of books and envelopes, then experimented with ways of combining them. I'm fascinated by the endless possibilities for shaping unique book-and-envelope containers for musings and mementos.
Here are a few other examples of my workshops. In September 2015 I taught "Books with an Origimai Touch" at the Florence Thomas Art School. In September of 2013, I offered the workshop "Exploring Every Angle," at the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation (Cleveland, OH). I've also offered various workshops through Asheville BookWorks, Appalachian State University's Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, and other venues. Special environments such as these have been ideal for bookmaking explorations and idea sharing.
Among the workshops I've offered are these:
- The Envelope, Please: Envelope + Book Explorations
- Flower, Leaf, Stick—Books for Springtime
- Flag Books: Content in Motion
- Simple Elegance: Making Pamphlet-Stitched Books
- Journals with Exposed-Stitch Spines
- Accordion Adventures
Whatever the workshop focus, my teaching has always reflected my passion for creating varied book forms and my commitment to nurturing each individual's process.
;)
Workshop Partnerships with Wellness-Focused Groups
Groups focused on wellness, healing, meditation, and other aspects of well-being are ones who often discover new perspectives through shared artmaking activities. In workshops, I have found that creating one's own books or journals offers a unique route for expressiveness that, in turn, supports wellness journeys. If you are part of a small group (about 20 or fewer members) whose members would like to incorporate bookmaking in your sharing, please email me to discuss your needs and ideas.
Workshop Partnerships with Literacy Groups
As noted on the Book Arts for Literacy part of this website, I welcome opportunities to partner with literacy-promoting organizations--especially those serving adult learners--in planning activities for both their clients and their staff members. Please email me to discuss possibilities.
Workshop Partnerships with Science Teachers
As indicated on this website's BookArt+Science section, I'm interested in partnering with science teachers and others interested in activities that integrate art and science activities, whether in schools or in extracurricular settings. If you'd like to discuss possibilities, please email me.
sharphandmadebooks@gmail.com
