Bringing Creativity to Libraries

Dive into a hands-on creative journey as we celebrate the brilliance of African American contemporary artists! In this workshop, participants will explore the rich history and cultural significance of the work of these leading industry artists.
Using vibrant paper mosaic technique, you'll reconstruct iconic pieces of contemporary African American art. This process-based workshop encourages self-expression and artistic exploration, guiding participants step-by-step in designing, assembling, and finishing their mosaics. Perfect for beginners and seasoned creators alike, this workshop offers a unique way to connect with cultural heritage.

Inspired by themes of kindness, empowerment, and creativity, participants will use collage, stamping, pop-up features and drawing techniques to craft unique greeting cards for friends, family, or community members. This hands-on activity encourages self-expression while introducing youth to the power of art as a way to share messages of joy and inspiration. Whether designing a thank-you card, a birthday greeting, or a note of encouragement, each participant will leave with one-of-a-kind handmade cards to share.

Allowing Children to see themselves reflected in the world around them and to create a reflection of themselves is empowering. In this hands-on workshop participants will design a stick puppet that is uniquely them, fostering a sense of identity and belonging, through character design. We will uplift the voices of authors and illustrators like Vanessa Brantley-Newton, E. B. Lewis, Nikkolas Smith, Nikki Giovani. Connecting young artists with the visual stories of these writers and illustrators, celebrating the characters they bring to life in their books.

Participants will learn how to turn their ideas into fun, one-of-a-kind publications to keep or share. Whether you want to create a mini comic, a poetry book, or a visual story, this workshop will guide young artists through the process of making their own handmade books and zines. Participants will explore different ways to combine words and images while learning the basics of self-publishing a DIY book.

Discover the art of stamp making in this hands-on workshop where creativity meets printmaking! Participants will learn how to design, carve, and print their own custom stamps using simple tools and materials. Whether creating bold patterns, nature-inspired designs, or personal symbols, this workshop will guide you through the process of transforming an idea into a reusable stamp. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this workshop encourages experimentation with shapes, textures, and layering techniques. By the end of the session, participants will have their own handmade stamps and printed creations to take home.

Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary in this Found Object Sculpture workshop! Using everyday materials such as recycled items, natural elements, and discarded objects, participants will experiment with assembling, stacking, and transforming found items into unique three-dimensional artworks. Participants will be guided through basic sculpting techniques, balance, and composition while bringing their imaginative creations to life.
This workshop encourages creative problem-solving and resourcefulness, showing how discarded or overlooked materials can be repurposed into meaningful and expressive sculptures.

Experience the calming and meditative effects of watercolor painting.Let's Experiment with watercolor and explore basic techniques that will help you learn how to control the medium. This workshop will consist of short observational studies from nature and abstractions. We will cover the color mixing and basic brush stroke techniques through the calming effects of water color painting.

Discover the rich history and cultural meaning of Adinkra symbols in this hands-on workshop using handmade foam stamps to create your own symbolic prints. Originating with King Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra in the early 19th century, these once-royal West African symbols represent strength, wisdom, and spirituality. You’ll learn about powerful icons like Adinkrahene (leadership), Sankofa (learning from the past), Gye Nyame (God’s omnipotence), and Dwennimmen (humility and strength). No experience needed—just bring your creativity for a meaningful blend of art, history, and storytelling.

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on Gelli Plate Printmaking Workshop! This fun and accessible printmaking process allows you to create a collection of vibrant, one-of-a-kind monoprints with ease.
Using acrylic paints, Gelli plates, and traditional printmaking tools, you’ll experiment with layering, lifting, and texture-building techniques to produce stunning abstract prints. That can later be used to add drawings to, or  as collage papers, or other post-printing embellishments.  

Unleash your creativity and learn the art of bookmaking in this hands-on workshop! Explore traditional and modern techniques to create a custom handcrafted book—perfect for journaling, sketching, or storytelling. Bookmaking is a deeply meditative and rewarding process, allowing you to slow down, work with your hands, and craft something meaningful.

Discover the art of drawing with thread in this immersive embroidery workshop, perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their skills. You’ll learn to create original, hand-stitched artwork using simple yet expressive techniques. The calming, meditative nature of stitching can spark creativity and offer a new form of self-expression. Whether you're seeking a relaxing hobby or a creative challenge, this workshop provides a supportive and inspiring space to explore embroidery.

Embark on a creative journey and bring your dreams to life through art journaling in this unique workshop. Using mixed media and collage, you’ll craft a visual map of your goals and intentions for the year ahead. This meditative, self-reflective process helps you tap into your creativity and connect more deeply with yourself. By blending art and journaling, you’ll create a personal roadmap filled with symbols, memories, and meaning.

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