Debra Disman

Artist

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Artist in Residence

“We Write The Book” Artist Residency Begins at the Canoga Park Branch Library!

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We “kicked off” our “We Write the Book” artist residency at the Canoga Park Branch Library on July 18, 2023 with an accordion-fold book workshop (“Program” in library parlance)!
The series, supported by the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, will offer 11 hands-on bookmaking workshops and a culmination event to the community free of charge, with all materials included!

Participants from children to teens to families to seniors learned how to create the accordion fold book structure and add pockets, then develop their books with a variety of decorative and print materials to make them their own.  A good time was had by all, as those attending learned new skills, socialized and inspired each other with their book creations!
Even the Librarians got into the act!

 

Bookmaking at the Community Corporation of Santa Monica With 18th Street Arts Center!

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I had the wonderful opportunity to lead a bookmaking workshop through 18th Street Arts Center for the Community Corporation of Santa Monica at one of their residential buildings.

Supported by the magical Leigh Ann Hahn and intern Ning Sun, I taught an engaging and creative group how to create the “Folded Fan Book” structure, and encouraged them to make their project their own through conceptual development and adornment, utilizing a marvelous array of decorative papers, stickers and leveraging  their own imaginations!


I am always amazed and humbled at the extent of people’s creativity, ability and efforts.
Bravo…

“We Write the Book” Artist Residency: Goodbye and Hello

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It is bittersweet to complete my third year as Artist-in-Residence for the West Valley Regional Branch Library supported by the wonderful Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!
Our “We Write the Book” series offered hands-on bookmaking workshops and culmination event for over 171 intergenerational  participants from a variety of backgrounds from July of 2022 through June of 2023.

View a slideshow video of our projects here!

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See what participants have to say here!

I am thrilled to begin a new year-long residency at the Canoga Park Branch Library July 18th, 2023!  Our new “We Write the Book” program will run through June 2023, and offer hands-on bookmaking workshops on a monthly basis to the public.

Our next workshop will be August 19th at noon.

So, goodbye to West Valley, and hello to Canoga Park. We invite You to Join us for fun, learning, community, creativity and self-expression!

 

Artist Residency Culminating Event at the West Valley Regional Branch Library!

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Celebrating our year long  “We Write the Book” artist residency at the West Valley Regional Branch Library, supported by The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!

Enjoy the ride. We did!

       

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West Valley Regional Branch Library Bookmaking Residency CULMINATION Event!!!!!

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Welcome to the culmination of our “We Write The Book” artist residency in bookmaking at the West Valley Regional Branch Library, supported by The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

We hope you enjoy seeing this overview of our bookmaking program workshops and Culmination Event for our 2022-2023 Residency!

“WE WRITE THE BOOK”

Artist Residency at the
West Valley Regional Branch Library
Debra Disman – Artist in Residence
Supported by
The City of Los Angeles  Department of Cultural Affairs

 

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This offering was part of my Artist Residency in Bookmaking, “We Write the Book” at the West Valley Regional Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, through the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Residency was comprised of a series of bookmaking workshops presented at the Library, planned in close coordination with Library Staff.

“Women Artists Unfolding”: Celebrating Women Artists at the West Valley Regional Branch Library

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In honor of Women’s History Month (March) the West Valley Regional Branch Library celebrated women artists with a bookmaking workshop led by artist in residence Debra Disman!

Patrons joined us to create their own  handmade books which unfolded to hold informative and inspiring images and information about renowned artists Faith Ringgold, Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama.  All materials were provided. The program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Yayoi Kusama and her ubiquitous polka dots was a hit!