Saturday May 9th 10am-1pm Hartson Gallery (Upstairs)

Newburyport Art 
65 Water St
Newburyport, MA 01950

Altars offer sacred space for us to visit each day and make offerings of devotion to the loved ones in our lives – those who have passed and those still with us. They help us bring focus and ritual into our daily lives which can make us feel part of something larger than ourselves. Many cultures use altars throughout the year or on special days to remember those who have passed and remind them that we have not forgotten them.

In this workshop, we will talk about altars from other parts of the world and religions to see how they are traditionally created. Then, we’ll talk about what yours might include like pictures and symbols of your loved one to favorite objects that were treasured in their life. As we create these altars with love and remembrance, you are welcome to bring a story to share (optional) about your beloved animal or human. Hopefully, the piece you create will bring you peace as you display it and use it.
For ages 16 and up. Beginners as well as experienced artists are welcome to take the workshop. Johanna will guide you through using traditional box making techniques to build our alters.The session will take place in the second-floor Hartson Gallery at 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950. Please note that this workshop space is accessible only by stairs. If you anticipate this being a problem for you, please email us at education@newburyportart.org.

 

Materials to bring: 

Tools needed/Students should bring:

Straight knife (box cutter, olfa, Exacto)
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Small glue brush
Art medium of choice (colored pencils, watercolor, art pens, etc.)

Picture of their animal: the animal in the picture should fit within the dimensions 4”x6”
Any tiny objects to add to the altar
Decorative or colored paper (teacher will have some to share)

Materials provided by instructor:

Board for box making
Book cloth for covering
Some decorative paper for sharing (bring your own if desired – should be uncoated)
pH neutral glue
art paper
small objects for possible inclusion in altar display

Cost:

• NAA Members: $75
• Non-members: $95
• Materials Fee:$10
• 10% discount offered to seniors (ages 65+)

Johanna Finnegan Topitzer Bio

My work focuses on the biodiversity of wildlife and plants on this planet. Many of the subjects I choose to represent come from the woods, mountains, and seaside of the Northeastern United States as this is my home. My creative process involves exploring in nature and taking reference photos. I then come back to my studio and start with simple sketches. I mostly make mixed media pieces using gouache and cut paper in my current work but often create my own books to fill with sketches and ideas. I was trained in the craft of traditional bookbinding at the North Bennet Street School in Boston and I sometimes use the book as sculptural form in my art, as well.

This class is capped at 10 people. It has a minimum of 6 to run.

By completing this registration form, you agree to the following cancellation and refund schedule:

• Within 2 days of the registered session: 0% refund
• Between 2 days and 2 weeks: 50% refund
• More than 2 weeks: 100% refund

The NAA reserves the right to cancel this class if necessary. In the event that the NAA cancels the class, all registrants will be refunded in full.