“We Right The Book” VI
I was honored to serve as Artist in Residence at Verdugo Hill High School in Tujunga, CA (Los Angeles) for a group of 41 Senior English class Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) students.
Our project , “We Right the Book” was supported by an Artist in Residence grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. I worked with the students on a series of bookmaking projects during weekly workshops held right in the classroom from September – December, 2017.
The students’ completed book works were exhibited at the Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library on December 13, 2017.
Accordion fold books, flag books, tunnel books, scrolls, and side bound books…the results were stunning.
Below is a digital tour through the show.
Each student’s works were displayed together, except the scrolls, which were hung on the walls.
Students created extraordinary Tunnel Books with whimsical, innovative and imaginative use of materials.
They made Flag Books…with “Found” (collected from existing print media) Writing.
and Accordion Fold Books…
with elaborate pop-ups.
The students completed their final projects for the class in their side bound books…the theme: IDENTITY…Who they are…Where they want to go…How they see themselves.
A Junior VAPA English student peruses the side bound books. She looked at each and every one.
I would love to work with her next year!
Fingers Crossed for next year’s Residency!
Thank you, LA DCA.
Play date at the Library with Mom!
The Mom above’s book…use of “scrap” (repurposed) paper…to colorful effect!
A material world…
Focused..
A fitting conclusion!
Fun use of stamping in different ways on the frame and backdrop if the book. What is the coyote howling at?
Sisters working side by side.
Smiling mom with her two daughters must be enjoying the creative break, and the opportunity to create side by side with them.
Animals parade through flora under celestial bodies, all in primary technicolors!
Wonderful use of trim….spanning on end of the “stage” to the other, with a butterfly attached!
These four beauties created gorgeous pieces, with attention to detail, and total concentration!
Older sis…
and younger (the middle child!).
Great use of zig zags to create a sea life theme!
A line-up of works in from of Mom.
parents and grandparents,
Materials for book spines and covers are laid out and ready for the young makers.
Supported by student artist assistants Angelica, Karen, Roxy, Lillian, Kai and Haroutyun, participants got right into the activity, choosing colors, folding accordion spines, adding covers and then…
perhaps the best part, developing their content! Writing, drawing, cutting, gluing, designing
The student assistants supported the young makers with their presence,
interaction, distribution of supplies, and sample making.
Proud bookmakers show off their creations.
What a line-up!
This young artist integrated story and illustrations beautifully, keeping character details consistent.
In this book about striped snakes, the author carefully cut out all the stripes and glued them to the snake characters….a great deal of work and commitment.
The young creator had special support and guidance from student artist assistant Haroutyun, who provided excellent assistance and support.
With a large turn-out, we had a wonderful time creating together in the Fowler’s beautiful central courtyard!
The lovely and talented Allison, currently interning at The Fowler, supported our workshop!
Our beautiful materials, laid out enticingly, under the tress in the courtyard.
Examples of marbled papers.
Participants digging into the goodies!
This young man resides in London, and was in Los Angeles for business. He said our workshop was the perfect activity for relaxing during his trip!
This young couple, all smiles, did not realize they were working in 
This (obviously!) artist made a unique and very imaginative scroll, including marbled papers that folded out from the structure.
She insisted on gifting the piece to me. I am honored, and will use it as a sample for subsequent workshops. Her painted coveralls were also an inspiration!
A three-generational family group joined us and all the children created
beautiful scrolls, supported by parents and grandparents!
Creating creates joy…
and it is wonderful to have family support.
Hearts and hands…
in the making.
Our friends are back….friends with a long history of making.
Lorenzo, MFA student at 
This family is back again for another project!
Flowers, friends, focus.
Beautiful family of talented ladies…daughters made hats as well as
utterly charming flower books.
Cece, a fashion design student, works intently on her book.
The wonderful 
This young maker worked on her book until we folded up the tables! She committed completely to the project, and can complete it at home.
Creating in community. Participants cut up magazine text and imagery to use on their scrolls.
Mom helps daughter, while son works away nearby.
These frineds have attended every workshop. They have a long history of making.
Pink rules…
“In the Pink”!
A fun date night…
The scroll proivides ample surface to explore text and image,
and lots of texture, color, shapes and forms.
Elle is a consumate maker, and loves to join in community artmaking activities.
Working vertically.
Pink, and pink!
Pink, close-up.
Incredible work with texture, torn edges, and a goth sensibility.
Welcoming the New Year…
with her scroll…a cornucopia of bounty!
Working in community…
adults and children alike,
creating the work of our/their hands…
in “material heaven!
Friends,
and family
and sole practitioners, came together to celebrate their creative spirits.
is Fall in the air? orange was a big color theme…
adorning this box-work from beginning
to completion,
inside,
and out.
There was lots of laughter,
and contemplation,
smiles,
and complete immersion.
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