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*Students will purchase their own materials and should expect to spend $20-40.

Class Description:

Craftivism is simply craft + activism. In this class, we will use textiles to create our own soft sculptures, protest tapestries about a cause that matters to you, and positive affirmation embroideries. Students will learn sewing and embroidery techniques to create works about things you care about. The textile collection of the Denver Art Museum has several works of craftivism and we will also look at those to understand what craftivism is and how simple it is to do! Beginners are welcome. Don't be intimidated by sewing. This course will make it simple and meaningful.

What to Expect:

During class, we will mostly be creating. We will be making 3 different artworks: soft sculptures of the word "No" to help remind us to keep healthy boundaries in our lives, fabric tapestries about a cause or topic that matters to you personally, and hand embroidered positive affirmations. After this class, you will know 3 new ways of creating work that is personal and meaningful to you using fabric and sewing techniques. Beginners are welcome. No prior experience necessary.

Timeline:

Class 1: introduction to soft sculpture and creation of our own soft sculptures

Class 2: Look at the work of Aram Han Sifuentes in the textiles collection of the Denver Art Museum, and begin creating our own protest tapestries

Class 3: Finish tapestries and begin embroidery

Class 4: Finish embroidery

Class Cancellation 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.

Educator:

Charis Lillene Fleshner is a conceptual mixed media artist who completed her MFA in studio art at the University of New Mexico. Fleshner currently teaches art at Aims Community College and shows work nationally. Before starting graduate studies, Charis Lillene Fleshner used her BFA in art education from University of North Texas to teach junior high and elementary art for seven years. Her studio practice currently focuses on painting, soft sculpture, Craftivism, and the intersections of Feminism and art.

charismakesart.com