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Class Description:

Explore and experiment with various fiber-art techniques by transforming two-dimensional fabric drawings and paintings into three-dimensional, plushie soft sculptures inspired by nature, abstraction and the DAM’s contemporary Textile Arts and Fashion collection.

Students will walk through and learn about the collections, focusing on textile work that utilizes drawing and painting elements. Through the exploration of the DAM’s collections, students will learn how expansive textile and fiber arts can be, inspiring them to make their own fiber art. The class will focus on simple and accessible techniques. Students will learn how to paint on fabric by using fabric paint and paint markers, and be inspired to make their own shapes, colors, patterns, etc. Students will then learn how to transform their two-dimensional fabric pieces into three-dimensional soft sculptures by learning simple sewing techniques and skills. This is an experimental approach to soft sculpture where students are free to explore, play and try new techniques all while being introduced to the basics of fabric painting, drawing, and sewing.

What to Expect:

The first day of class will be informational and learning based, we will walk through the galleries and view a presentation. The rest of the day-to-day class experience will comprise of art demos and creating soft sculpture pieces. This is a primarily a project-based approach where experimentation in painting, drawing, and sewing will be encouraged.

Students can choose to make one large soft sculpture or two medium soft sculpture pieces.

Some knowledge of hand-sewing is encouraged but not required. Students must be comfortable holding a needle and thread or utilizing fabric glue.

Students should have an interest in painting and drawing on fabric and understand that this is the primary focus of the class.

Timeline:

Week 1

• Intro/presentation about teacher and soft sculpture techniques, history, etc.

• Explore collection in galleries, inspiration sources, beginning sketching, drawing, and documenting in classroom or gallery for inspiration for soft sculpture

Week 2

• Finish Sketches and drawing on paper

• Teacher demonstration about fabric drawing/painting

• Students begin sketching and fabric

• Students can read up on resources, etc. as they might have to wait for fabric paint to dry in between painting and drawing layers

Week 3

• Students finish drawing and painting on fabric

• Teacher demo into hand sewing techniques

• Students begin sewing, stuffing, and adorning soft sculpture

Week 4

• Students finish sewing, stuffing and adding details to piece

• If time, students share out their finished pieces with the class

Class Make-up Day Policy:

If a class or workshop needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather or teacher illness, a “make-up” day will be scheduled on a FRIDAY or SATURDAY as the educator’s schedule allows.

Materials:

Students will purchase their own materials and should expect to spend $50-80. We partner with Meininger’s for local shopping, purchase a kit of your required materials online for in-store pickup, or purchase the items individually.

Educator:

Holly Nordeck currently works and lives in Golden, CO. She graduated from Colorado State University with a BFA and minor in Art Business in 2016, her visual art has exhibited at Lincoln Center (Fort Collins), Arvada Center for the Arts (Arvada), StoreRoom (Denver), and Bell Projects (Denver). Nordeck has worked in cultural institutions since 2016, her focus is producing participatory events in collaboration with Colorado creatives. She is experienced in event production, creative consulting, public engagement experiences, and art focused facilitation.

https://www.holly-nordeck.com/