Debra Disman

Artist

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Book

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!

 

Create a STORYBOOK THEATER at Craft Contemporary

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Craft Lab: Make a Storybook Theatre with Debra Disman 

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Become the author, illustrator, and set designer of your own imaginative world as you create a one-of-a-kind storybook theatre. This hands-on workshop invites participants to bring stories to life by combining books, storytelling, and theatrical elements with dramatic flair.

Using a variety of recycled paper materials, you’ll craft layered scenes, characters, and settings that transform the page into a miniature stage.

Recommended for ages 7 and up. All adults and children ages 3 and up must have a ticket to participate.

Craft Lab Family Workshop:

Make a Storybook Theatre with Debra Disman

Sun, Jan 11 | 1:30 – 3:30 PM

$10 public / members Free
REGISTER

 

Held in conjunction with the exhibition:

Material Curiosity by Design: Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman

 

“WE Write the Book”: Making Flower Fold Gift Books-in-a-Box at the Northridge Branch Library!

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

It was a joy to teach the “flower fold” book structure that participants could place in small boxes they embellished, and offer to to others or to themselves for the holidays!

Makers had access to beautiful origami papers direct from Japan!

Participants including family groups, seniors and others learned how to make the flower fold book structure using a myriad of beautiful origami papers, and then how to attach multiple flower folds together to create a longer book that folds up into a square.

Needless to say, magnificent works were created!


Makers’ Hands!

       
Making use of materials in a different way!

This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

Join us for our next workshop on December 10, 2025!

And for our CULMINATION Event on December 20th!

“We Write the Book” Culmination Event at the Northridge Public Library! 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (NOT 5PM!)

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11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (NOT 5PM!)

“We Write the Book” Culmination Party and Final Craft
All are invited to our free culmination event for our “We Write the Book” program with our artist Debra Disman. Please join us!

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Time:

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (NOT 5PM!)

Location:

Northridge Branch Library

Type:

In Person

Audience:

Kids, Teens, Adults, Seniors

Category:

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies

Language:

English

Description:

All are invited to our free culmination event for our “We Write the Book” program with our artist Debra Disman. Please join us to see some of the books participants have created, enjoy refreshments, and learn how to make a book of your own!

All materials included!

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

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

For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento.

 

”We Write the Book” Make a 2026 Calendar at the Northridge Public Library! 3:30 – 5:30PM!

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

Join Us Wednesday December 10th from 3:30 – 5:30PM and bind together your own handmade calendar to welcome 2026!



Then join us at 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Saturday December 20th for our CULMINATION EVENT!