Debra Disman

Artist

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Teaching Artist

“We Write the Book”: Butterfly Bookmaking at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2026-27 “NEAR” (Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency) Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!
Third time is a charm! A butterfly charm!

For our kick-off workshop (or program in library parlance!) we celebrated SUMMER by creating a BUTTERFLY BOOK based on the folded fan structure.

 

There were participants from ages 6-60+ including families, couples, grandparents, siblings and friends.
It was a joy to behold.
And a beautiful butterfly time was had by all!

 
JOIN US!

“We Write The Book” Kick-Off July 25th, 2026!

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I am thrilled to return to the Northridge Branch Library for a third season of bookmaking supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!
JOIN US for our KICK-OFF Program on Saturday July 25th!
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM


About the Program:
Artist-in-Residence Debra Disman is back at the Northridge Branch for the year 2026-2027, beginning a series of monthly bookmaking programs in July, where you will learn to make a different book each session! No experience is required and there will be new projects and things to learn for those who have attended her workshops before. All are welcome and you can attend as many sessions as you want! All materials are provided. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

All the workshops are free including materials and for ALL AGES and ABILITIES!

We Write the Book: Craft Program for All Ages | Los Angeles Public Library

Supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!



“We Write the Book” Returns to the Northridge Library!

By

I am thrilled to return to the Northridge Branch Library for a third season of bookmaking supported by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs!
JOIN US!!!!!

We Write the Book: Craft Program for All Ages

Monthly on the fourth Saturday, 11am – 12:30pm
Saturday July 25, 2026 – Saturday, Jun 26 2027

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
KICK-OFF: Saturday July 25, 2026

About the Program:
Artist-in-Residence Debra Disman is back at the Northridge Branch for the year 2026-2027, beginning a series of monthly bookmaking programs in July, where you will learn to make a different book each session! No experience is required and there will be new projects and things to learn for those who have attended her workshops before. All are welcome and you can attend as many sessions as you want! All materials are provided. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

All the workshops are free including materials and for ALL AGES and ABILITIES!

We Write the Book: Craft Program for All Ages | Los Angeles Public Library

Time: Saturdays at 11:00- 12:30 p.m. (Most are the last Saturday of the month excepting October, November and December 2026)
1.  Saturday, July 25th, 2026 (Kick-off!)
2.  Saturday, August 29, 2026
3.  Saturday, September 26, 2026
4.  Saturday, October 10, 2026
5.  Saturday, November 21, 2026 
6.  Saturday, December 19, 2026
7.  Saturday, January 23, 2027
8.  Saturday, February 27, 2027
9.  Saturday, March 27, 2027
10.Saturday, April 24, 2027
11.Saturday, May 22, 2027
12.Culmination: Saturday, June 26, 2027 (sharing of books through display and readings, short making workshop!) 

This program is made possible by a grant from the City of Los Department of Cultural Affairs.

For disability-related accommodations, please call (213) 228-7430 at least five business days prior to the event.

Northridge

Making “Ralph Steadman-Inspired Books at TAM!

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I was thrilled to lead a fun and fabulous bookmaking workshop on Saturday April 25th from 11AM to 3PM, leading participants in making their own one- of-a-kind artists’ book in conjunction with and response to the incredible Ralph Steadman show “And Another Thing”, currently at the beautiful Torrance Art Museum! (TAM)

MAIN GALLERY: Ralph Steadman: and Another Thing

“This traveling exhibition spans over 60 years of Ralph Steadman’s influential career, featuring more than 140 original artworks and ephemera, including sketchbooks, handwritten notes, and personal photographs. Steadman is best known for his long collaboration with Hunter S. Thompson, notably illustrating “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Their partnership helped define Gonzo journalism, a style of reporting that blends personal experience with political commentary. Coined by journalist Bill Cardoso, Gonzo’s impact is still felt today in online news, editorial pieces, social media, and political punditry.

The exhibition showcases his diverse body of work, from iconic illustrations for Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” to collections like “The Gonzovation Trilogy,” created in collaboration with documentarian and filmmaker Ceri Levy to raise awareness about endangered species. Featured works include nine portraits of U.S. Presidents, over 20 images of famous people, including T.S. Eliot, Karl Marx, Virginia Woolf, and George Orwell, and “Vintage Dr. Gonzo,” a life-size bronze sculpture. This exhibition is organized by the Ralph Steadman Art Collection. Sponsored by United Therapeutics, Flying Dog, and Beta Technologies.”

Thanks to the exhibition curator and fearless leader Andrea Lee Harris, a force of nature, for making this happen!

We had folks of all ages “drop in” to the ongoing workshop, and learn how to put together exciting media to create personal accordion, folded fan and flower-fold books!


Samples help attendees understand the book structures and visualize what they want to do.

 
Ink spatter paper (created by Andrea)  is inspirational and reflects the techniques employed by artist Ralph Steadman!

   

     “Autonomy Matters”
And a Grand Time was had by ALL!

We made a “Storybook Theatre” at Craft Contemporary!

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On January 11, 2026, I had the great pleasure of leading a “Storybook Theater” bookmaking workshop at the Craft Contemporary Museum for their all ages Craft Lab, entitled, “Make a Storybook Theater with Debra Disman“!

Participants were encouraged to:
“Become the author of your own story and create a one-of-a-kind storybook theater book. Combine stories, books and theater with a dramatic flair using a variety of recycled paper materials.”

So. Much. Fun!

A vibrant group gathers.


The dynamic Dr. KATE ZANKOWICZ, Ph.D., Craft Contemporary’s Director of Education, introduces the program, and encourages participants.

Focus and concentration.


Cutting without a template, freehand…to create the year of the horse (hello) and the snake (bye bye).


Book within book, to explore a theme.


Care and communication, sharing ideas.

Even the stairs were used as a work surface, by choice!



Mothers and daughters,

Partners and friends, worked together.

  Hollywood was an inspiration,



As well as Zebras!

Such a beautiful group creating beautiful, thought-provoking and whimsical works.

HERE are the Step-by-step HOW-TO instructions to create the STORYBOOK THEATER:
StorybookTheaterProgram_FINAL_PowerPoint

ENJOY!

“WE Write the Book” Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency CULMINATION!

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I was thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!

On December 20, 2025, after 11 onsite bookmaking workshops with the community at the Library,  we held our Residency CULMINATION Event!

Below are videos and images of the event. Families, seniors, students and staff graced us with their presence!

View the splendid books participants created through the Residency!
Hear the participants words as they share their books!

Participants shared the books they had made, supported and celebrated each other, and reveled in project materials to create small, sewn, travel books to send them into 2026 and Beyond!

Artists and devoted workshop attendees Amy and Cathie share their BookWorks!


This young bookmaker loves cars, and his book/s reveal his knowledge of them!

His sister created books about endangered animals and how to help them; flowers; and a cookbook of favorite recipes!

    Moms and sons create books!

          A a beautiful, learning-filled and fun time was had by all.

Here’s to a healthy and creative 2026!