My favorite fictional television boss loves paper. He once said “It is … a message. It is an inspiration, it is … a source of beauty. And without paper, it could not have happened … Unless you had a camera.”
The beauty of paper hasn’t been lost on me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve collected beautiful paper. As a young child, I would grab sheets of vellum, glitter cardstock, and intricately bordered stationery and imagine the beauty that would be my creation if I put them all together. Only, I didn’t know how to put them together.
Regardless, I loved to imagine the possibilities — the more embellished and intricate the paper, the more in awe I was. Still today, one of my favorite places is in the paper aisle of a craft store. But for all I have in admiration, I lack in execution as I would trace my fingers over the papers’ varied textures and leave them be in my collection. I’ve come to learn that gifted artists can do incredible things with paper.
Join us at the Greenwood Public Library this September as we welcome paper artist, Sonja Lehman, as our second Maker in Residence. Sonja magically turns delicate fibers of paper into beautiful luminaria, books, lamps, and more. You’ll find themes of light and nature throughout her artwork as she transforms two-dimensional paper into intricate structures and works of art. In addition to being a talented artist, Sonja is also the director of the Herron Art Library at IUPUI where you will find a vast collection of modern and contemporary art and artists.
During her residency at GPL, Sonja will have some of her work on display and hold studio hours once a week. Stop in Studio 2.0 on the second floor of the library during her receptions and studio hours to observe her process or ask her questions about all things art or paper related.
Sonja will also be teaching three specialized classes throughout the month of September. For kids and tweens ages 8-13, Sonja will be teaching how to create a 3-Tier Folder with Hidden Boxes on Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For teens ages 14-18, she will guide you through creating a Reverse Piano Hinge Photo Album on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For adults, Sonja will guide a class through creating a footed treasure or wish box on Sept. 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Each program with start with varying specialized papers that will be transformed into a utilitarian work of art. Space is limited for each program so be sure to register early.
We are delighted to host Sonja as our second artist in GPL’s Maker in Residence program. Be sure to check our website for future art and crafts programs featuring local makers.
Sharon Deitz is the Studio Associate at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
