The Open Art Workshop is a community art workshop in which children, and adults can drop in and select from a variety of traditional and non traditional art making materials, to make art together. Making art together can mean collaborating on group projects, or working on their own individual art while in a creative communal atmosphere. The art materials will be organized and spread out on supply tables. Well placed signage will indicate proper use of materials, but also give some suggestions as to how to experiment. At least two facilitators will roam the room offering assistance when needed or requested. Though most attendees will make their own individual artwork that they can take home, there is also a group project that anyone can freely add to.
Art supplies will include:
- Drawing materials – pencils, pens, pastels, crayons, rulers, compass, erasers, etc.
- Painting materials – acrylic paint, tempera paint, water colors, brushes, etc.
- Sculpting materials – modeling clay, soil clay, paper mache, sculpting tools, etc.
- Mixed media and craft- collage materials, cigar boxes, cardboard, glitter, soil, dried flowers, ribbons, stationary stamps, etc.
- Cutting and binding – hot glue gun , modge podge, pva glue, scissors, box cutters (adults), etc.
- Substrates – drawing paper, mixed media paper, canvasboard, wood, cardboard, burlap, cigar boxes, etc
Location
The Art Lab is a a multi-purpose art space at 2103 N. Charles St. in the Station Arts District. The Art Lab hosts community art events such as exhibits, workshops, and performances. Over the last two years The Art Lab has hosted three Open Art Workshops, two of which were on site on Charles St. and another was off site at an urban farm as part of a larger community event. These events all received enthusiastic community feedback. The Art Lab location on Charles St. is an inspiring space for community art making as the walls usually exhibit a collection of art from local Baltimore artists. During the Open Art Workshop, we have fun with the background music as attendees are invited to add their favorite songs to the playlist.
Purpose
The goal of the Open Art Workshop is to bring community members together to create together, inspire each other, creative problem solving together, bask in our different individual sense of aesthetics and even observe how those differing aesthetic sensibilities weave together in group projects,remind ourselves that we are not just consumers, but creators, and simply enjoy fellowship with music, food, art, and laughter.
Primary Facilitator
The Open Art Workshop is the brain child of Dirk Joseph. Dirk has 3 decades of experience as an artist, art instructor, and community arts facilitator. Dirk teaches art regularly in Baltimore city public schools, and has led community art workshops at various venues around Baltimore including the BMA, Enoch Pratt Free Library, community centers, urban farms and gardens, senior housing, street festivals, etc.